The client’s tax preparation bill should have been around $200. Instead, Freeport, New York, tax preparer Damaris Beltre charged her $2,200 in fees for a fraudulent return. The problem with the scheme: Beltre’s client was an undercover federal agent. (Read More)
Author Archives: virginiasmp
That text or email about your “tax refund” is a scam
Tax season is approaching, and if you’re getting a refund, scammers are looking to steal it before you’ve had a chance to claim it. So, before you respond to a text or email about a “tax refund” — especially one that asks you to click a link — know that this could be a scamContinue reading “That text or email about your “tax refund” is a scam”
Use caution when searching for weight loss products online
Better Business Bureau is warning consumers about a troubling trend involving deep-fake videos that promote a weight loss product. Over the course of two months, BBB Scam Tracker received over 170 reports regarding a product called LipoMax, which is marketed as a form of the popular “pink salt trick” on social media. CONTINUE
Scammers are impersonating the United States Patent and Trademark Office
If you own a business or know someone who does, you know how important a trademark is for protecting your intellectual property. Scammers do, too, and they’re impersonating the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) to steal your money. Here’s how the scam works. (Read More)
DOJ: California insurer kept $320M in surplus Medicaid funds
The Department of Justice is suing a California health insurer for allegedly diverting $320 million in leftover federal Medicaid funds to other inappropriate expenses. The lawsuit alleges Inland Empire Health Plan defrauded the federal government out of $320 million in surplus Medicaid funds the plan was supposed to return. Instead, the plan spent the money on unrelatedContinue reading “DOJ: California insurer kept $320M in surplus Medicaid funds”
Watch Out for Medicare Scams
When people give personal financial information and Medicare details to callers, scammers can commit identity fraud and make bogus claims to Medicare. Some common Medicare scams include new card offers, medical equipment and tests, and hospice enrollment. Recognize scams and know how to protect yourself in this AARP story, which includes lots of information from SMPs.
No, that’s not an FTC commissioner on the phone
Scammers like to pretend to be someone official to try to get your money. And who could be more official than the FTC chairman and commissioners, some of the nation’s leading fraud fighters? But here’s something important to know: nobody who works at the FTC will ever, EVER tell you to move your money toContinue reading “No, that’s not an FTC commissioner on the phone”
Couple Sentenced for Fraud, Money Laundering
Magaly Travieso, an advanced practitioner registered nurse (APRN) and owner of ProMed Healthcare LLC, was sentenced to nine years in prison for conspiracy to commit health care fraud and her former spouse, Yudorki Ramirez, was sentenced to three years in prison for conspiracy to commit money laundering. Travieso and her co-conspirators paid patients illegal kickbacksContinue reading “Couple Sentenced for Fraud, Money Laundering”
Get a credit freeze to stop identity thieves
Did someone steal your identity? Or are you looking for ways to help protect yourself from identity theft? A great place to start is freezing your credit. Here’s what to know. (Read More)
Professionals Charged in COVID-19 Test Billing Fraud
Fast Lab Technologies LLC CEO Cemhan “Jimmy” Biricik and medical director Dr. Martin Perlin were charged for their involvement in a $500 million, nationwide scheme that involved billing Medicare, Medicaid, TRICARE, and other health insurance programs for COVID-19 testing services that were never rendered. According to the indictment, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Fast Lab operatedContinue reading “Professionals Charged in COVID-19 Test Billing Fraud”
The Virginia SMP 