Author Archives: virginiasmp

Notice in the mail about your property? Here’s what to know

Say you get a letter that seems to come from a bank. It says it’s related to your property, has the words “FINAL NOTICE,” printed on the letter, and has what looks like a refund check attached. Your first thought is that you’re getting money. But then you notice there’s no signature, and the smallContinue reading “Notice in the mail about your property? Here’s what to know”

Executive Vice President of Insurance Brokerage Pleads Guilty in $133M Affordable Care Act Fraud Scheme

A Florida executive pleaded guilty today for his role in a scheme to submit fraudulent applications to enroll consumers in Affordable Care Act insurance plans (ACA plans) that were fully subsidized by the government. The purpose of the scheme was to obtain millions of dollars in commission payments from the insurance company that operated theContinue reading “Executive Vice President of Insurance Brokerage Pleads Guilty in $133M Affordable Care Act Fraud Scheme”

Walgreens Agrees to Pay Up to $350M for Illegally Filling Unlawful Opioid Prescriptions and for Submitting False Claims to the Federal Government

The Justice Department, together with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), today announced a $300 million settlement with Walgreens Boots Alliance, Walgreen Co., and various subsidiaries (collectively, Walgreens) to resolve allegations that the national chain pharmacy illegally filled millions of invalid prescriptions for opioids andContinue reading “Walgreens Agrees to Pay Up to $350M for Illegally Filling Unlawful Opioid Prescriptions and for Submitting False Claims to the Federal Government”

How to Steer Clear of Customer Service Scams

Whenever we have a problem with a charge or a purchase, it’s comforting to talk to a real person on the phone to resolve the issue. Unfortunately, criminals know that, too, and are eager to take advantage of it. In customer service scams, criminals lure their targets into calling phony customer support numbers for payment apps andContinue reading “How to Steer Clear of Customer Service Scams”

Top tricks used to scam older adults

No matter your age, no one is immune to scams. In the most recent BBB Scam Tracker Risk Report, investment/cryptocurrency scams continued to be one of the riskiest scams for ages 55+. Online purchase scams were the second riskiest for consumers 55-64, along with romance scams for consumers 65+. The third riskiest for both groups wereContinue reading “Top tricks used to scam older adults”

A Leader of Notorious Philadelphia ‘10th and O Crew’ Sentenced to Six Years for Opioid Drug Conspiracy

A South Philadelphia man was sentenced yesterday in the District of New Jersey to six years in prison for conspiracy to distribute oxycodone, a highly addictive controlled substance.  According to court documents, between January 2022 and February 2024, Michael Procopio, 50, coordinated the unlawful sale of prescription oxycodone pills as a leader of South Philadelphia’sContinue reading “A Leader of Notorious Philadelphia ‘10th and O Crew’ Sentenced to Six Years for Opioid Drug Conspiracy”

Discounted phone, TV, or internet services if you pay with a gift card? No, it’s a scam

Have you gotten a robocall about a discount on phone, TV, or internet services? Scammers are pretending to be businesses and making robocalls about “discounted services” if you pay with a gift card. It’s a scam. Here’s how the scam works so you can avoid it. (Read More)

How to Identify and Avoid Common Social Security Scams

With the 2024 announcement of new login requirements for those who created My Social Security online accounts before Sept. 18, 2021, experts warn that scammers may take advantage of Social Security recipients who may be confused by the switch. (See here for updated step-by-step instructions.) (Read More)