Category Archives: Uncategorized

Dean Zusmer and Lawrence Alexander were convicted for their roles in a scheme to defraud Medicare by submitting over $31 million in claims for expensive durable medical equipment (DME) that Medicare beneficiaries did not need and that were procured through the payment of kickbacks. Marketers used overseas call centers to solicit patients and telemedicine companiesContinue reading “Doctors Convicted in DME Scheme”

The devastation in Turkey and Syria following massive earthquakes is inspiring people to help and donate. And it’s prompting scammers — like they do after every disaster — to take advantage of your generosity. Find out how to make sure your money helps people in need. Scammers use familiar-sounding names to create fake charities, orContinue reading “Donating to Help After Earthquakes in Turkey and Syria? “

Charles William McElwee pleaded guilty in federal court to conspiring to buy and sell more than 2.6 million Medicare beneficiary identification numbers, along with other personal identifiers. As part of his plea, McElwee admitted that he and his co-conspirators used “data mining” and “social engineering techniques” to collect Medicare beneficiary information, which McElwee then advertisedContinue reading “Marketer Pleads Guilty in Medicare Number Scheme”

Traditional rental car companies are no longer your only option for renting a ride when you’re out of town. Car-sharing apps, essentially Airbnb for car owners, make renting a privately owned vehicle possible for hours, days, or even longer. Many times, these apps are cheaper than a traditional rental car too. However, if you rent from aContinue reading “BBB Tip: What to Know Before Renting from a Car Sharing App”

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”