Author Archives: virginiasmp

In the wake of natural disasters or other traumatic events around the world, the first reaction of many good citizens is to say, “How can I help?” You may be thinking the same thing about the massive earthquakes that hit Turkey and Syria in recent days, killing at least 20,000 people and injuring tens ofContinue reading “7 Tips for Avoiding Fraud When Donating to Charities”

Ikechukwu Udeokor, owner of Meik Medical Equipment and Supply, and manager Ayodeji Fasonu were convicted for engaging in a scheme to defraud Medicare Advantage and Medicaid managed care plans of over $3.8 million. They billed for hundreds of expensive patient support systems that were never provided to patients or caregivers. These support systems included largeContinue reading “Medical Equipment Suppliers Convicted”

Most of the time, if you send money to a scammer with a wire transfer, you don’t get money back. But if you paid a scammer through MoneyGram and filed a refund claim with Gilardi & Co., watch your mailbox. Refund checks worth over $115 million are on the way to almost 39,000 people whoseContinue reading “Over $115 Million Goes to MoneyGram Users Who Paid Scammers”

While scrolling Facebook, a quiz catches your eye: “Answer these questions and see which ‘Winnie the Pooh’ character matches your personality,” for example, or “What dog breed would you be?” You’re asked to name your first pet, favorite ice cream or top vacation destination. Revealing such trivia seems harmless — just fun chitchat with friendsContinue reading “Why You Should Think Twice Before Taking an Online Quiz”

Matthew Taylor Witkowski pleaded guilty to a one-count criminal information charging him with conspiracy to commit health care fraud. Documents show that he and a co-conspirator engaged in a scheme to defraud Medicare by illegally obtaining and selling fraudulent written orders for goods and services paid for by Medicare, including for durable medical equipment (DME).Continue reading “Man Pleads Guilty in Multimillion Dollar DME Case”

One thing is for certain: Many Americans are fed up with having to contend with the constant barrage of emails, texts and phone calls from criminals maneuvering to steal their money through ever-evolving and often highly sophisticated schemes. It’s “overwhelming,” agreed Attorney General Merrick B. Garland, 70, during a recent interview with AARP at theContinue reading “Exclusive: Attorney General Merrick B. Garland Vows to Fight Scams Targeting Older Americans”

IABBB is partnering with the IRS for a series of educational webinars for all US-Accredited Businesses.On Tuesday, February 21, 2023, at 1 PM Eastern, 12 PM Central, 11 AM Arizona and Mountain, 10 AM Pacific, and 8 AM Hawaii, IRS and IABBB will host a live webinar discussing scams and tax-related identity theft for individualsContinue reading “BBB and IRS Webinar: Scams and Tax-Related Identity Theft”

Want to help charities that support servicemembers and veterans? Around Veterans Day, charity scammers seek to take advantage of your generosity. They contact you about fake veteran and military causes, tugging at your heart strings — and grabbing for your wallet. A little research will help you spot these charity scams and make sure your donationsContinue reading “Charity Scams for Veterans Tug at Heart Strings and Grab for Wallets”

But when doling out dollars to charity, be careful. Crooks will take advantage of your generosity and steal your cash. “People are in a generous spirit,” says Amy Nofziger, who oversees the AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline (877-908-3360). “Most of us are out hustling and bustling and planning parties and buying gifts, and the criminals make youContinue reading “7 Tips for Avoiding Fraud When Donating to Charities”

As a veteran, navigating government programs and benefits is complicated. Scammers know this – and take full advantage of it. BBB Scam Tracker has received numerous reports of con artists who pretend to represent the government and target veterans with promises of special grants and other programs. If you or a family member is a veteran,Continue reading “These Veterans’ Programs Seem Real. But Watch out for Impostors”