A federal jury convicted a Louisiana nurse practitioner yesterday for her role in an over $2 million health care fraud scheme. According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Shanone Chatman-Ashley, 45, of Opelousas, was a nurse practitioner and enrolled provider with Medicare. Chatman-Ashley worked as an independent contractor for companies that purportedly providedContinue reading “Louisiana Nurse Practitioner Convicted of $2M Medicare Fraud”
Author Archives: virginiasmp
New college grads, watch out for these scams
This year’s college graduates are getting ready to start their new lives! It’s a big transition that includes several important changes. Grads may be moving to a new city, finding a new place to live, or searching for a new job. Graduation also often means new financial responsibilities, such as starting payments on student loans.Continue reading “New college grads, watch out for these scams”
Know the Signs of Catfishing When Looking for Love Online
When “Donald” began messaging Liza Likins, a widow in her mid-70s, on Facebook a few years ago, she was charmed. Likins, a former backup singer for acts such as Fleetwood Mac and Linda Ronstadt, had met Donald on Facebook Dating, and soon he was messaging her constantly, she told CBS News. (Read More)
Second Leader of Notorious Philadelphia ‘10th and O Crew’ Sentenced to Over Four Years for Opioid Drug Conspiracy
A Pennsylvania man was sentenced today in the District of New Jersey to four years and nine months in prison for conspiracy to distribute oxycodone, a highly addictive controlled substance. According to court documents, between March 2019 and March 2024, Frank Procopio, 54, of Philadelphia, engaged in the unlawful sale of prescription oxycodone pillsContinue reading “Second Leader of Notorious Philadelphia ‘10th and O Crew’ Sentenced to Over Four Years for Opioid Drug Conspiracy”
Avoid online JOANN impersonators and their fake sales
You may have heard the news: JOANN Fabric & Craft stores are closing — and holding big clearance sales before they shut their doors. Looking to grab some deals? The real JOANN sales are only happening in person in their physical stores. But that hasn’t stopped scammers from setting up bogus websites with fraudulent dealsContinue reading “Avoid online JOANN impersonators and their fake sales”
Holding Credit Reporting Companies Accountable for Junk Data
Credit reports serve as economic gatekeepers for millions of Americans seeking to buy a home, start a business, or get a car loan. When these reports contain inaccuracies or mistakes, consumers can face serious financial consequences – from loan denials to higher interest rates. (Read More)
Top 10 scams targeting small businesses
Scams can impact every business, regardless of location, size, or industry. But they are especially a problem for small businesses. Local businesses and start-ups often don’t have the cyber security support or established accounting processes of larger companies. This can make them more vulnerable to scams. (Read More)
FBI: Older Americans Lost a Record $4.9 Billion Through Fraud in 2024
Older Americans reported nearly $4.9 billion stolen through fraud last year, with an average loss of $83,000, according to the latest annual FBI report. That’s a stunning 43 percent more than last year. Adults 60 and older also submitted the most complaints of any age group (more than 147,000). (Read More)
Money for Avast antivirus software users
If you bought antivirus software from Avast between August 2014 and January 2020, you could be eligible for a payment from a recent settlement in the FTC’s lawsuit. Start by checking your inbox for an email about how to submit your claim by June 5, 2025. (Read More)
Three Convicted for Fraudulently Billing Over $8 Million to Medicare and Medicaid Through Opioid Addiction Treatment Clinics in Kentucky
A federal jury convicted a Kentucky doctor, a Texas businessman, and a Kentucky woman yesterday for their roles operating a scheme out of a series of addiction treatment facilities in Kentucky that fraudulently billed Medicare and Kentucky Medicaid for over $8 million. (Read More)
The Virginia SMP 