INSIDER
Houston pharmacy owner found guilty in $160 million medicare fraud
Read full article: Houston pharmacy owner found guilty in $160 million medicare fraudProsecutors say Mohamad Mokbel made over $200 million through a kickback scheme with his company 4M Pharmaceuticals, which involved money laundering and bribery from 2014 through 2021,
LISTEN: Houston scammers threatening arrests, jailtime for missing jury duty
Read full article: LISTEN: Houston scammers threatening arrests, jailtime for missing jury dutyDespite previous warnings, jury duty scams are still targeting people. Recently, a KPRC 2 viewer shared a suspicious call she received. Investigator Amy Davis has what you need to know to stay safe.
‘I’m screaming. I’m yelling. I’m upset’: Houston Cash App fraud victims lose thousands of dollars
Read full article: ‘I’m screaming. I’m yelling. I’m upset’: Houston Cash App fraud victims lose thousands of dollarsCash App customers may be able to claim $2,500 each as part of a $15 million settlement for data and security breaches.
One phone call drains $17K from Pearland woman’s bank account
Read full article: One phone call drains $17K from Pearland woman’s bank accountWe've all (or know someone) who has been impacted by financial scams and Pearland Police say it's hard to catch these scammers and banks have just as difficult a time recovering the stolen money.
Houston storm repair scams the Better Business Bureau wants you to be aware of
Read full article: Houston storm repair scams the Better Business Bureau wants you to be aware ofIt's unfortunate but true that during times of crisis like last week's devastating storms, there are scammers who will take advantage of people seeking assistance. The BBB wants you to be on the lookout for these scams, especially as we soon enter Hurricane Season.
Houston men charged with stealing more than $1.2M in mail theft scheme, activating stolen credit cards
Read full article: Houston men charged with stealing more than $1.2M in mail theft scheme, activating stolen credit cardsFive Houston men have been taken into federal custody after they were charged in a large-scale mail theft and credit card fraud scheme resulting in more than $1.2 million in losses, the United States Department of Justice announced Tuesday.
Houston men plead guilty to fraudulently obtaining millions of dollars in PPP loans in COVID-19 relief fraud conspiracy
Read full article: Houston men plead guilty to fraudulently obtaining millions of dollars in PPP loans in COVID-19 relief fraud conspiracyFive Houston men have pleaded guilty to their participation in a scheme to fraudulently obtain and launder millions of dollars in forgivable Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, the United States Department of Justice announced Monday.
Houston scammers sentenced in nationwide fraud scheme targeting elderly victims
Read full article: Houston scammers sentenced in nationwide fraud scheme targeting elderly victimsA group of people living in Houston have been sentenced to federal prison for their involvement in a nationwide fraud scheme that targeted elderly victims, the United States Department of Justice said.
Scammer sentenced to 2 years for making fake accounts, using stolen credit cards to buy Texas A&M football game tickets
Read full article: Scammer sentenced to 2 years for making fake accounts, using stolen credit cards to buy Texas A&M football game ticketsA 48-year-old California man has pleaded guilty to a nationwide ticket scam that included a Texas A&M football game, the United States Department of Justice said.
Fake tech support schemer sentenced to 16 years after targeting elderly victims
Read full article: Fake tech support schemer sentenced to 16 years after targeting elderly victimsThe leader in a conspiracy to commit mail fraud has been ordered to federal prison, the United States Department of Justice said.
Couple featured on reality TV show hit with $10.8M judgment after promising to ‘bless’ people in illegal pyramid scheme
Read full article: Couple featured on reality TV show hit with $10.8M judgment after promising to ‘bless’ people in illegal pyramid schemeThe Office of the Attorney General secured a $10.76 million final judgment and permanent injunction against a reality television couple from Frisco that ran an illegal pyramid scheme.
Tax preparer gets 12 years for illegally filing tax returns to purchase Bentley and Maserati; owes $1.9M to government
Read full article: Tax preparer gets 12 years for illegally filing tax returns to purchase Bentley and Maserati; owes $1.9M to governmentA Houston woman has been sentenced to 12 years in federal prison following her convictions on seven counts of aiding and assisting in preparing false tax returns, the United States Department of Justice announced Tuesday.
Houston conman who tricked members of his church out of more than $1M sentenced to 20 years for real estate scams
Read full article: Houston conman who tricked members of his church out of more than $1M sentenced to 20 years for real estate scamsA Houston conman who made more than $1 million pretending to sell distressed properties for cash to dozens of people was sentenced to 20 years in prison Monday, Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg announced.
Texas ranks No. 1 for Amazon Prime Day scam victims: Here’s how to avoid becoming one
Read full article: Texas ranks No. 1 for Amazon Prime Day scam victims: Here’s how to avoid becoming oneBuyer beware: According to global cyber security company Trend Micro, Texas is at the top of the list for Amazon Prime Day scam victims.
Alleged fraudster extradited from France to Houston to face charges in $7M international investment funding scam
Read full article: Alleged fraudster extradited from France to Houston to face charges in $7M international investment funding scamThe charges allege Uche Victor Diuno helped to orchestrate a scam involving false promises of investment funding by individuals who impersonated U.S. bank officials in person and over the internet to victims around the world.
SNAP ‘skimming’ victims can now get benefits reimbursed: Here’s how
Read full article: SNAP ‘skimming’ victims can now get benefits reimbursed: Here’s howTexas Health and Human Services Commission announced Wednesday that it will replace the stolen Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for several families.
Houston man pleads guilty to fraud after creating fake online profiles to dupe victims in ‘romance scam’
Read full article: Houston man pleads guilty to fraud after creating fake online profiles to dupe victims in ‘romance scam’A 39-year-old Houston man who holds citizenship in the United States and Ghana has pleaded guilty to operating an illegal money-transmitting business, the United States Department of Justice announced.
Scams are taking a toll on seniors: How you can avoid tricky schemes from greedy imposters
Read full article: Scams are taking a toll on seniors: How you can avoid tricky schemes from greedy impostersThe U.S. Department of Justice expanded its ‘Trans-national Elder Fraud Strike Force’ to combat scams originating overseas.
Woman accused of scamming people out of more than $21,000 through fake job postings
Read full article: Woman accused of scamming people out of more than $21,000 through fake job postingsA 31-year-old woman is accused of manipulating job seekers into opening new lines of credit and buying expensive items, all part of a scheme to resell the electronics.
Houston woman uses Instagram to advertise business conducting government fraud schemes, DOJ says
Read full article: Houston woman uses Instagram to advertise business conducting government fraud schemes, DOJ saysAccording to officials, from March of 2020 until December of that year, Desiree Coleman conspired with others to commit wire fraud by submitting false applications for government assistance.
Holiday shopping warning: Signs you are about to be tricked online
Read full article: Holiday shopping warning: Signs you are about to be tricked onlineIt’s the busiest online shopping time of the year and we know thieves are working overtime. But you also want to shop around to save money. We will show you how to score discounts while staying safe online.
Scammers now preying on grandparents with new scheme that targets elderly victims
Read full article: Scammers now preying on grandparents with new scheme that targets elderly victimsThe number of victims who are elderly and falling for scammer’s tactics has risen at an alarming rate, while the amounts they’ve loss are even more staggering.
‘We are intensifying our efforts’: DOJ, partners doing more to protect older adults from fraud, scams
Read full article: ‘We are intensifying our efforts’: DOJ, partners doing more to protect older adults from fraud, scamsThe Department of Justice has announced the results of its efforts over the past year to protect older adults from fraud and exploitation. During the past year, the DOJ and its law enforcement partners tackled matters that ranged from mass-marketing scams that impacted thousands of victims to bad actors scamming their neighbors.
Do not fall for this! Scammers allegedly calling citizens claiming they missed jury duty, must wire money immediately to stay out of jail
Read full article: Do not fall for this! Scammers allegedly calling citizens claiming they missed jury duty, must wire money immediately to stay out of jailThe scammer allegedly tells the resident they missed their Federal Grand Jury date, resulting in a warrant for their arrest. He goes on to say they have two options to settle their warrant. The first option is to either serve 72 hours in jail or to pay and handle the warrant in civil court.
Nigerians accused of duping victims through multimillion dollar romance, lottery, construction scams extradited to US to stand trial
Read full article: Nigerians accused of duping victims through multimillion dollar romance, lottery, construction scams extradited to US to stand trialThree Nigerian citizens who are accused of using numerous ways to defraud victims, including through romance and lottery scams, have been extradited from the United Kingdom to the United States to stand trial for their alleged crimes.
Consumer alert: Texas Department of Insurance warns consumers of scammers posing as employees
Read full article: Consumer alert: Texas Department of Insurance warns consumers of scammers posing as employeesThe Texas Department of Insurance is warning consumers to be wary of scam phone calls or other communications from anyone claiming to be an employee of TDI.
KPRC 2 Investigates: Don’t be fooled by imposter scams
Read full article: KPRC 2 Investigates: Don’t be fooled by imposter scamsForty-seven percent of Americans experienced financial identity theft last year. Losses from identity theft cases cost more than $700 billion in 2021. The highest percentage of consumers who were victimized were between 35 and 44 years old. Imposter scams are one of the leading scams used to steal money. They often start with a simple call, email or message impersonating a person or company you know to trick you into giving them your money. The more you know about these imposters, the safer you and your money will be.
HAR, Crime Stoppers launch public awareness about rental scams in Houston
Read full article: HAR, Crime Stoppers launch public awareness about rental scams in HoustonThe Houston Association of Realtors, Crime Stoppers of Houston and the Clear Channel Outdoor have joined together to launch a public awareness campaign about the rise in rental scams in Houston.
Don’t fall for it: Scammers are using spoofed FBI numbers to fool victims
Read full article: Don’t fall for it: Scammers are using spoofed FBI numbers to fool victimsThe FBI is warning the public once again about a phone scam that fraudulently displays the FBI Houston Division’s real telephone number on victims’ caller IDs.
How to avoid being ripped off by so-called contractors, plumbers after historic winter storm
Read full article: How to avoid being ripped off by so-called contractors, plumbers after historic winter storm“It was like a waterfall coming from the ceiling.”“We still have no water in the house,” Cruz added. She is afraid of being taken by a fly-by-night contractor or plumber. Ad“Whenever there is any kind of disaster, unfortunately, we always see the scammers come out of the woodwork,” Napoliello said. Napoliello’s job is to help consumers avoid being ripped off by shady contractors, plumbers and others, who are out to grab your money, and she has several rules you should follow to avoid them. “First of all, you should never hire someone on the spot, if they come to your front door”, Napoliello said.
What you need to know about new scam related to COVID-19 vaccine, according to the FBI
Read full article: What you need to know about new scam related to COVID-19 vaccine, according to the FBIHOUSTON – The FBI and other government agencies are warning people against a new scam that has emerged related to the coronavirus vaccine. FBI warns people about COVID-19 vaccine scam. Don’t share your personal or health information with anyone other than known and trusted medical professionals. Check your medical bills and insurance explanation of benefits (EOBs) for any suspicious claims and promptly reporting any errors to your health insurance provider. Never provide personal information of any sort via email; be aware that many emails requesting your personal information may appear to be legitimate.
Beware: Protect yourself from these COVID-19 cons
Read full article: Beware: Protect yourself from these COVID-19 consMake sure you’re not the next victim of one of these COVID cons. But at the end, there’s no money, and the scammers have had plenty of time to phish for your information. Also, beware of fake COVID contact tracers. Real contact tracers will call by phone, not connect by email. Always be cautious of anything you put on your phone and never give your info to someone you’re not 100% comfortable with.
Don’t get scammed: Potential dangers you should watch for while doing your holiday shopping online
Read full article: Don’t get scammed: Potential dangers you should watch for while doing your holiday shopping onlineHOUSTON – If you’re anxiously waiting for holiday packages to arrive, now is the time to be alert and watch out for delivery schemes. Bloomer said cybercriminals are using the emails as a way to trick holiday shoppers into giving up their personal information. “They will try to ask you to put in payment information and take money directly from you,” he said. Bloomer said Check Point researchers saw a more than 400% increase in delivery schemes in November compared to the previous month. Tips to prevent getting scammedTo help users stay protected against phishing scams, Check Point is issuing these 6 tips:
‘Do Not Call’ registry and 4 apps to stop spoofing calls
Read full article: ‘Do Not Call’ registry and 4 apps to stop spoofing callsWe’ve listed four apps to help make the calls stop, and steps to get your number listed on the National Do Not Call Registry with the Federal Communications Commission. Alex Quilici, who works with YouMail, an anti-spoofing app, explains how spoofing calls work. But if you’re using a voice or office phone or call center, you can fill in whatever phone number you want. So the bad guys just pick a phone number and use it,” explains Quilici. You can upload some audio, you can put in a phone number that people “press 1” to and basically go.
How to protect yourself against potential hurricane-related scams
Read full article: How to protect yourself against potential hurricane-related scamsThe FBIs Houston Division issued a warning and some tips on how people can protect themselves from fraud. According to the warning, scammers may go door to door to target residents in areas affected by hurricanes, so be vigilant. Do not click on any links or open attachments in an unsolicited email or give any personal information out online. If you believe you have been the victim of hurricane-related fraud, contact the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) at 866-720-5721 or file a complaint online. You can also report suspicious e-mail solicitations or fraudulent websites to the FBIs Internet Crime Complaint Center here.
Here are COVID-19 scams you should avoid, according to Texas officials
Read full article: Here are COVID-19 scams you should avoid, according to Texas officialsHOUSTON Texas officials are warning residents to be aware of COVID-19 scams that try to trick you out of your money or personal information. Never provide your personal information (address, date of birth, banking information, ID numbers) to people you do not know. Remember, government agencies will never ask you for personal information or money. In addition to the economic payment scams previously reported, several other fraudulent schemes involve masks, personal protection equipment and other COVID-19 related items, according to a press release. This virus is bad enough without having to deal with crooks who will use it to obtain your money or personal information, Ryan said.
Warning for Texans: Fraudsters are selling counterfeit, mislabeled or non-existent PPE
Read full article: Warning for Texans: Fraudsters are selling counterfeit, mislabeled or non-existent PPEAs the demand for personal protection equipment (PPE) grows, some suppliers are taking advantage of the national crisis. The Office of Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is warning the public of scammers advertising masks and other COVID-19 related equipment they do not actually have an inventory of in an attempt to make a quick profit. According to the office, these products may be counterfeit and mislabeled, or non-existent. As fraudulent schemes continue, consumers urged to exercise increased caution when dealing with new suppliers, especially when using a third-party broker, the Office of Texas Attorney General says. Red flags that a sale may be fraudulent include:Unusual payment termsLast-minute price changesLast-minute excuses for delay in shipmentUnexplained source of a large quantity of materialEvidence of re-packaging or mislabelingTexans who believe they have encountered scams or price gouging should call the Office of the Attorney General’s toll-free complaint line at (800) 621-0508 or file a complaint online.