Scams

Trustees Accused of Stealing Bingo Proceeds

February 11, 2008 -- COLUMBUS - Ohio Attorney General Marc Dann filed a lawsuit today alleging the trustees of the Central Ohio Association for Children’s Higher Education (COACHE) absconded with hundreds of thousands of dollars in bingo proceeds. The lawsuit, filed in Clark County Court of Common Pleas, seeks to recover the charitable funds embezzled by the trustees of the Springfield, Ohio non-profit corporation.    » read more »

February 8, 2008 -- LANSING – With Michigan investors preparing to open or contribute to their Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) before the Tax Day deadline on April 15th, Michigan Office of Financial and Insurance Services (OFIS) Acting Commissioner Ken Ross warned them that their retirement savings are in danger of being ruined by investment schemes falsely promoted as "IRA Approved" or endorsed by the IRS.    » read more »

February 06, 2008 -- Kentucky Attorney General Jack Conway today provided information to consumers who were victims of last night’s tornadoes and severe thunderstorms. Seven people in Kentucky lost their lives in the storms. Governor Steve Beshear declared a State of Emergency in Kentucky and local States of Emergency have been issued by county and city officials in Muhlenburg County, the city of Brandenburg and Monroe County.    » read more »

Advance Payment Scams Starting

Jan. 30, 2008, WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today warned taxpayers to beware of several current e-mail and telephone scams that use the IRS name as a lure. The IRS expects such scams to continue through the end of tax return filing season and beyond.    » read more »

January 28, 2008 -- FRANKFORT, Ky. (Jan. 28, 2008) – The Kentucky Office of Financial Institutions (OFI) cautions investors not to allow recent negative economic news and stock market volatility to lead them into high-risk, speculative investments. These securities may be nothing more than fraudulent schemes hiding behind today’s headlines.

“Con artists follow the news and use investors’ fears to sell bogus products with promises of high return and little or no risk,” said OFI Executive Director Cordell Lawrence.    » read more »

Jan 25, 2008 -- LITTLE ROCK— Most Arkansans are familiar with "phishing" schemes, in which con-artists typically solicit personal, financial information via email. In these phishing schemes, the consumer is directed to a fake Web site where they are asked to input their bank account number, Social Security number or other information the con-artist can use to commit fraud.    » read more »

Couple convicted of $1 million real estate scam that victimized numerous individuals throughout the state

January 25, 2008 -- TALLAHASSEE, FL – Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum today announced that a Polk County couple has received prison sentences for running a widespread real estate scam that defrauded victims out of more than $1 million. Thomas “Sal” Salvati and his wife, Dawn, both previously pled no contest to criminal charges including organized fraud and conspiracy to commit racketeering, prosecuted by the Attorney Generals Office of Statewide Prosecution.    » read more »

January 24, 2008 -- TALLAHASSEE, FL – Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum today issued a consumer advisory warning Florida’s senior citizens about a mortgage-related scam that may target them directly. As he unveiled legislation this week to combat mortgage “foreclosure rescue” scams, the Attorney General also cautioned senior citizens about scams associated with reverse mortgages, a type of home equity loan frequently abused by con artists and scammers.    » read more »

Announces Legislation to Fight Mortgage-Related Fraud; Attorney General, state leaders seek to protect homeowners from deceptive practices

January 22, 2008 -- TALLAHASSEE, FL – Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum today announced a multi-pronged initiative to combat mortgage-related fraud, specifically fraud involving “rescue foreclosure” scams.    » read more »

January 15, 2008 -- New Hampshire Attorney General Kelly Ayotte today warned New Hampshire consumers that the Consumer Protection and Antitrust Bureau of the New Hampshire Attorney General's Office has recently received a report that consumers in New Hampshire and elsewhere are receiving scam emails which purport to be from the New Hampshire Lottery Commission. The emails instruct the recipients that to receive their winning prize, they must provide their passport and social security numbers.    » read more »

January 15, 2008 -- Jefferson City, Mo. — Missouri Attorney General Jay Nixon says southwest Missourians are receiving text messages on their wireless phones that appear to be from Empire Bank, but actually are from identity thieves. Last month, Nixon warned that consumers in southwest Missouri were getting similar messages coming as automated calls on their home phones.    » read more »

Scammers Say New Social Security Cards or Free Medical Cards are being issued

January 15, 2008 -- INDIANAPOLIS, IN – Indiana Attorney General Steve Carter is alerting Hoosiers about a telephone scam that attempts to obtain residents’ bank account or social security numbers and other personal identifying information. The callers indicate new Social Security Cards or free medical cards are being sent and they need to verify some personal information.    » read more »

Phoenix, Ariz. – Jan. 15, 2008 -- Arizona Attorney General Terry Goddard today warned consumers of a phone solicitation scam targeting Arizona’s seniors.

The Attorney General’s Office has learned that Arizonans have received calls from scam artists claiming to be their Medicare representative. They are told that Medicare has come out with a new card that would allow them to pay a one-time fee of $389 rather than their monthly Part B premium.

The caller then asks for the person’s bank account number and Social Security number.    » read more »

January 10, 2008 -- Jefferson City, Mo. — As residents in the Ozarks begin the recovery process from this week’s tornadoes and storms, Missouri Attorney General Jay Nixon says to watch out for scams. Nixon says thieves known as “storm chasers” target hard-hit areas claiming to offer home-repair services. He says storm chasers often go door-to-door, offering quick services for consumers who may be in urgent need of repairs, whether it’s a new roof, windows, siding or other work.    » read more »

January 10, 2008 -- INDIANAPOLIS, IN – Indiana Attorney General Steve Carter encourages Hoosiers in North Central Indiana to be on guard against unscrupulous contractors following the recent flooding in the area. Con artists may come out of the woodwork to prey on those who have seen damage to their homes by offering assistance at outrageous prices or taking money and failing to complete the work.    » read more »