Tag:

Identity theft

Massive Data Breach Exposes 184 Million Accounts: What To Know Massive Data Breach Exposes 184 Million Accounts: What To Know
Massive Data Breach Exposes 184 Million Accounts: What To Know A cybersecurity researcher has uncovered a massive trove of compromised login credentials, raising new alarms about the scope and scale of InfoStealer malware campaigns. The exposed Elasticsearch database contained more than 184 million unique usernames and passwords. It was not password-protected or encrypted, and it was publicly accessible when discovered earlier this month. The database included login details tied to popular platforms such as Microsoft, Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat.  It also contained services with potentially greater stakes, including banking portals, health …
$477K Scheme: Doorman From Westchester Steals From Retired NYC Teacher, Husband, DA Says $477K Scheme: Doorman From Westchester Steals From Retired NYC Teacher, Husband, DA Says
$477K Scheme: Doorman From Westchester Steals From Retired NYC Teacher, Husband, DA Says A Westchester County man has admitted to stealing nearly $478,000 from a retired New York City schoolteacher and her husband while working as their building’s doorman, prosecutors announced. Alfredo Mateo, 38, of Yonkers, pleaded guilty in Manhattan Supreme Court to grand larceny and identity theft charges, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg announced on Wednesday, May 21.  According to Bragg, Mateo launched a calculated financial scheme against the couple after the husband died on September 1, 2022, and the wife, a retired schoolteacher, was living in a nursing home under co…
HV Victim Gave $100K In Gold, Cash To Scammer Posing As Federal Agent, Police Say HV Victim Gave $100K In Gold, Cash To Scammer Posing As Federal Agent, Police Say
HV Victim Gave $100K In Gold, Cash To Scammer Posing As Federal Agent, Police Say A Long Island man posing as a federal agent conned a Hudson Valley woman into handing over nearly $100,000 in cash and gold, police said. Mykhaylo Mykhaylov, 39, of Copiague, was busted during an undercover operation in Columbia County on Wednesday, May 7 — just as the victim was about to deliver yet another payment, New York State Police said. The 73-year-old victim first contacted police on Monday, May 5, after realizing she may have been targeted in a fraud scheme that began in March. She told troopers that people claiming to be agents with the Federal Trade Commission had convinced her …
Lyin’ King George Santos Sentenced To Prison In Final Act Of Political Circus Lyin’ King George Santos Sentenced To Prison In Final Act Of Political Circus
Lyin’ King George Santos Sentenced To Prison In Final Act Of Political Circus Disgraced former New York congressman and convicted fraudster George Santos is heading to federal prison. The Republican ex-lawmaker, 36, was sentenced to 87 months (just over 7 years) behind bars in Central Islip federal court on Friday, April 25, months after pleading guilty to wire fraud and identity theft.  As part of his plea agreement, Santos agreed to pay a $200,000 forfeiture and over $373,000 in restitution to his victims. Friday’s sentencing capped off one of the most bizarre chapters in American political history, one in which a sitting member of Congress was expelled and l…
Westchester Conman Tries Using Fake ID To Buy $68K Car At Dealership: Sheriff Westchester Conman Tries Using Fake ID To Buy $68K Car At Dealership: Sheriff
Westchester Conman Tries Using Fake ID To Buy $68K Car At Dealership: Sheriff A Westchester man with a criminal history is behind bars after allegedly trying to buy a luxury vehicle using a false identity at a car dealership in Putnam County, authorities said. Investigators were first alerted on Saturday, April 5 about a suspicious person trying to purchase a vehicle worth more than $68,000 at a dealership in the Town of Southeast. The man was reportedly using a fake name in an attempt to hide his identity, the Putnam County Sheriff's Office said on Thursday, April 24.  On Saturday, April 12, investigators learned the suspect had returned to the dealership, whic…
Man Dons Suit Jacket, Hat, Tries Using Fake ID To Withdraw $20K In Westchester: Police Man Dons Suit Jacket, Hat, Tries Using Fake ID To Withdraw $20K In Westchester: Police
Man Dons Suit Jacket, Hat, Tries Using Fake ID To Withdraw $20K In Westchester: Police A man dressed in a suit and hat tried to walk out of a Westchester bank with $20,000—but sharp-eyed staff and quick police work stopped the fraud cold, authorities said. Officers were called to Webster Bank at 72 Purchase St. in Rye around 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 23, for a report of a person trying to cash a large check using a fake ID, the City of Rye Police Department announced on Thursday, April 24. Bank staff told officers that the man, later identified as Jose Urena, 48, of New York City, entered the branch claiming he wanted to withdraw $20,000 from a Webster Bank account, accor…
Data Breach Exposed Driver's Licenses, Credit Cards Of Hertz Customers Data Breach Exposed Driver's Licenses, Credit Cards Of Hertz Customers
Data Breach Exposed Driver's Licenses, Credit Cards Of Hertz Customers Customers of car rental company Hertz may have had their personal information stolen after a data breach exposed driver's license numbers, credit card details, and other sensitive records. Hertz confirmed the breach involved data stored by Cleo Communications, a vendor used by Hertz for file transfers. Hackers exploited security flaws in Cleo's system in October and December 2024, according to the company. Hertz verified on Monday, Feb. 10, that an "unauthorized third party" accessed customer data. The company completed its investigation on Wednesday, April 2, and began notifying affec…
Fraudulent Texts Pretend To Be From USPS Fraudulent Texts Pretend To Be From USPS
Fraudulent Texts Pretend To Be From USPS A new scam is targeting people with fraudulent text messages pretending to be from the United States Postal Service (USPS) — and officials are urging caution. The US Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) is warning customers about a rise in phishing and smishing attacks, where fraudsters send fake texts and emails that appear to come from USPS. The messages often claim that a package is delayed or that a payment is due, directing recipients to click a link that steals personal information. Postal inspectors say these scams are becoming more advanced, but there are clear warning signs: Smishi…
Former NFL, College Coach Accused In Hacking Scandal Allegedly Targeting Athletes Former NFL, College Coach Accused In Hacking Scandal Allegedly Targeting Athletes
Former NFL, College Coach Accused In Hacking Scandal Allegedly Targeting Athletes In a striking development that has captured national attention, a former NFL and collegiate football coach has been accused of hacking into computers at over 100 colleges and universities to gain access of intimate photos of students, allegedly targeting female athletes. The accused is Matthew Weiss, age 42, a Connecticut native from Cheshire, who previously served as co-offensive coordinator at the University of Michigan.  Acting United States Attorney Julie A. Beck announced the charges on Thursday, March 20. They include 14 counts of unauthorized access to computers and 10 counts of…
Online Scammers Using This Method To Steal Personal Info, FBI Says Online Scammers Using This Method To Steal Personal Info, FBI Says
Online Scammers Using This Method To Steal Personal Info, FBI Says The FBI has issued a warning about cybercriminals exploiting victims to distribute malware and steal personal information. ​ Fraudulent free online file converter tools offer services like converting or merging files—such as transforming a .doc file to a .pdf or combining multiple images into a single document. While they perform the advertised tasks, they may also install hidden malware on users' computers.  This malware can grant criminals access to sensitive data, including Social Security numbers, banking details, cryptocurrency information, email addresses, and passwords.  …
Delete These Suspicious Texts Immediately, FBI Warns Delete These Suspicious Texts Immediately, FBI Warns
Delete These Suspicious Texts Immediately, FBI Warns The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has issued an urgent warning about a widespread text message scam designed to steal personal and financial information from unsuspecting victims. Known as “smishing” (SMS phishing), the scam involves fraudulent texts impersonating toll and package delivery services to trick recipients into clicking malicious links or revealing sensitive data. According to cybersecurity firm Palo Alto Networks’ Unit 42, cybercriminals have registered over 10,000 fraudulent domains as part of this operation, targeting at least 11 states and one Canadian province. Key…
IRS Issues Warning For These Taxpayer Scams IRS Issues Warning For These Taxpayer Scams
IRS Issues Warning For These Taxpayer Scams A new warning from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has taxpayers on high alert as the agency unveils its 2025 Dirty Dozen — a list of the most common and deceptive tax scams that could put financial and personal information at risk. With tax season in full swing, scammers are ramping up efforts to steal money, sensitive data, and even taxpayer identities. From fake tax credits to social media-fueled misinformation, the schemes on this year’s list serve as a reminder that fraudsters are constantly evolving their tactics. What Is the Dirty Dozen? Each year, the IRS compiles the Dirty Doze…
$7.6M COVID Loan Fraud Scheme: Leader From Westchester Gets Years In Prison $7.6M COVID Loan Fraud Scheme: Leader From Westchester Gets Years In Prison
$7.6M COVID Loan Fraud Scheme: Leader From Westchester Gets Years In Prison A Westchester native will spend more than a decade behind bars for orchestrating a massive COVID-19 relief fraud scheme that stole more than $7.6 million from the US Small Business Administration, federal prosecutors announced. Maryland resident Jacob Carter, 39, originally from Mount Vernon, was convicted along with three co-conspirators for wire fraud, conspiracy, and aggravated identity theft in connection with a scheme to file over 1,000 fraudulent loan applications during the COVID-19 pandemic, the US Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York announced on Thursday, Feb. 27…
Scammers Impersonating IRS With These Texts: Here's What To Know Scammers Impersonating IRS With These Texts: Here's What To Know
Scammers Impersonating IRS With These Texts: Here's What To Know A new scam is making the rounds, with fraudsters posing as Internal Revenue Service (IRS) agents and sending text messages promising a substantial rebate.  The trap is a phishing attempt designed to steal your personal and financial information. What’s Happening? The fraudulent messages claim recipients are eligible for a $1,400 stimulus check, directing them to click on a fake link to “claim” their payment.  How The Scam Works You receive a text message appearing to be from the IRS, stating that you’re owed an Economic Impact Payment and must provide personal information …
$11.2M Loan Fraud Scheme: Nurse Practitioner From Elmsford Stole Doctors' Identities $11.2M Loan Fraud Scheme: Nurse Practitioner From Elmsford Stole Doctors' Identities
$11.2M Loan Fraud Scheme: Nurse Practitioner From Elmsford Stole Doctors' Identities A nurse practitioner from Westchester County who stole the identities of over a dozen doctors and orchestrated a multi-million dollar disability loan fraud scheme will spend years in prison, federal prosecutors announced. Catherine Seemer, age 44, of Elmsford, was sentenced to five years in prison on Wednesday, Feb. 5, after pleading guilty to defrauding federal disability loan programs of more than $11.2 million, according to the US Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York. From June 2017 through March 2022, Seemer ran a scheme that falsely claimed student loan borrowers wer…
NY State Workers Steal Debit Card Info From Disabled Residents, Police Say NY State Workers Steal Debit Card Info From Disabled Residents, Police Say
NY State Workers Steal Debit Card Info From Disabled Residents, Police Say Three New York State employees are accused of stealing money from developmentally disabled residents in the Capital Region. The women, all employees at the Capital District Developmental Disabilities Services Office (DDSO) in Clifton Park, were arrested on suspicion of fraud and larceny-related charges following an investigation by the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office on Sunday, Jan. 26. Officials identified the defendants as: Lashea Pettway, 30, of Schenectady Jessie Gabriel, 34, of Schenectady Christin McGrath, 45, of Selkirk An investigation found that all three women stole debit card …
Equifax Fined $15M For Inaccurate Credit Scores Days After NY Settlement: CFPB Equifax Fined $15M For Inaccurate Credit Scores Days After NY Settlement: CFPB
Equifax Fined $15M For Inaccurate Credit Scores Days After NY Settlement: Cfpb One of the nation’s largest credit reporting agencies has been fined $15 million for issuing inaccurate credit scores and failing to properly investigate consumer disputes, officials said. Equifax will pay the fine into the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's victims relief fund, the federal agency said in a news release on Friday, Jan. 17. The CFPB's investigation found Equifax ignored critical evidence submitted by consumers disputing inaccuracies in their credit reports. According to the CFPB, Equifax also allowed deleted errors to resurface and relied on flaw…
Viral Fake Serial Killer Post Appearing On Hudson Valley Social Media Accounts: Sheriff Viral Fake Serial Killer Post Appearing On Hudson Valley Social Media Accounts: Sheriff
Viral Fake Serial Killer Post Appearing On Hudson Valley Social Media Accounts: Sheriff Authorities in the Hudson Valley are cautioning residents to be vigilant about a fake social media post that has been circulating nationwide and is now appearing on local accounts.  In an announcement on Monday, Jan. 13, the Putnam County Sheriff's Office said the fraudulent post warns of a "serial killer on the loose," featuring an image of a supposed suspect and victim names.  However, the Sheriff's Office has confirmed that there is no validity to the post.  According to authorities, scammers often use these posts to manipulate users. Once shared, the original c…
Yonkers Man Nabbed In Bank Fraud, Identity Theft Scheme: Police Yonkers Man Nabbed In Bank Fraud, Identity Theft Scheme: Police
Yonkers Man Nabbed In Bank Fraud, Identity Theft Scheme: Police A Westchester County man is facing serious charges in Vermont after being accused of using stolen identities and forged documents to commit multiple bank frauds, police announced.  Gregory Errico, age 35, of Yonkers, was arrested on Tuesday, Jan. 7, by the Windsor County Sheriff’s Department in Bethel, Vermont, following an attempted fraud at Mascoma Bank, the Sheriff's Department announced.  According to the Windsor County Sheriff’s Office, Errico’s alleged scheme involved using stolen identities to withdraw money from banks across the Bethel area. After his arrest in Bethel, Err…
Santos Spills: Viral Milkshake Attack Was Planned Publicity Stunt, Ousted NY Rep. Confesses Santos Spills: Viral Milkshake Attack Was Planned Publicity Stunt, Ousted NY Rep. Confesses
Santos Spills: Viral Milkshake Attack Was Planned Publicity Stunt, Ousted NY Rep. Confesses Turns out this milkshake drama was all whipped up. A video appearing to show disgraced former New York congressman George Santos being doused in ice cream in Times Square went viral over the weekend. The clip, which had been viewed millions of times on X, shows the 36-year-old convicted felon being accosted by a man seemingly outraged that Santos has “the audacity to show his face.” Watch video of the incident below. After getting the ex-Long Island congressman’s attention, the man tosses a milkshake all over Santos' jacket and asks, “How do you like that?” “You are un-[expletive] believ…
Holiday Deals Or Fraud? IRS Issues Warning For These Scams Holiday Deals Or Fraud? IRS Issues Warning For These Scams
Holiday Deals Or Fraud? IRS Issues Warning For These Scams As the holiday shopping season begins, the IRS reminds everyone that it’s not just your credit card balance you need to watch — it’s also your personal information. As part of its ninth annual National Tax Security Awareness Week, the IRS is warning taxpayers about a rise in holiday scams.  The scammers aren’t interested in gifts under your tree; they’re after your Social Security number and financial information instead. Here’s how scammers are getting creative—and how you can stay safe: Phishing Emails: Be wary of emails pretending to be from reputable retailers, shipping companie…
NY Rep. D’Esposito Denies Scathing Report He Gave Mistress, Fiancée’s Daughter Jobs NY Rep. D’Esposito Denies Scathing Report He Gave Mistress, Fiancée’s Daughter Jobs
NY Rep. D’Esposito Denies Scathing Report He Gave Mistress, Fiancée’s Daughter Jobs New York Rep. Anthony D’Esposito is vowing to stay in his congressional race following a scathing New York Times report alleging he gave his mistress and his fiancée’s daughter jobs in his district office. The Long Island Republican, age 42, hired the pair shortly after being elected to his 4th District seat in 2023 and paid them nearly $30,000 in taxpayer funds in a violation of House ethics rules, the outlet reports. New York’s 4th congressional district covers central and southern Nassau County, including Elmont, Hempstead, and Valley Stream. Asked whether the New York Times report was …
Warning Issued For Nationwide Automated 'Sextortion' Scam: Here's What To Know Warning Issued For Nationwide Automated 'Sextortion' Scam: Here's What To Know
Warning Issued For Nationwide Automated 'Sextortion' Scam: Here's What To Know Authorities are warning the public of a nationwide automated scam in which scammers use people’s email addresses to coerce payments by intimidating them with threats of embarrassment. Victims of the "sextortion" scheme, usually children and teens, are manipulated to photograph or video material for extortionists. "After receiving the sexually explicit content from the child, the offender threatens to release that compromising material unless the victim produces additional explicit material," said the FBI in issuing the warning to parents, educators, caregivers, and children. In a sepa…
32-Year-Old Man Accused Of Stealing iPhones From Package In Westchester 32-Year-Old Man Accused Of Stealing iPhones From Package In Westchester
32-Year-Old Man Accused Of Stealing iPhones From Package In Westchester A 32-year-old man faces charges after stealing two iPhones from a package delivered at a victim's residence in Northern Westchester, police said. New York City resident Jose Susana Diaz was arrested in connection with an incident that happened at a Yorktown residence in June, Yorktown Police announced on Tuesday, Sept. 3.  According to the department, on Saturday, June 15 just after 2 p.m., officers responded to a home on Revere Drive for a reported identity theft. Investigators soon learned that two Apple iPhones had been purchased using the victim's identity and would be delivered to…
Ousted NY Rep. George Santos  Likely To Face Prison After Pleading Guilty In Fraud Case Ousted NY Rep. George Santos  Likely To Face Prison After Pleading Guilty In Fraud Case
Ousted NY Rep. George Santos Likely To Face Prison After Pleading Guilty In Fraud Case Former Republican Congressman George Santos admitted to committing wire fraud and aggravated identity theft in a federal court on Monday, Aug. 19, authorities announced.  The 36-year-old former inhabitant of New York's 3rd Congressional District seat on Long Island was facing 23 felonies, and a trial set to begin next month.  A federal judge will sentence Santos on Friday, Feb. 7, 2025, the US Attorney for the Eastern District of New York said. According to federal sentencing guidelines, aggravated identity theft carries a mandatory two-year minimum sentence.&n…
Ex-NY Rep. Santos To Plead Guilty In Federal Trial: Reports Ex-NY Rep. Santos To Plead Guilty In Federal Trial: Reports
Ex-NY Rep. Santos To Plead Guilty In Federal Trial: Reports Former Republican Rep. George Santos is expected to plead guilty to federal charges weeks ahead of his upcoming trial, multiple news outlets are reporting.  The 36-year-old Santos, who represented New York's 3rd Congressional District, faces 23 federal charges including identity theft, wire fraud, money laundering, and lying to Congress.  NBC News reported that Santos' lawyers and federal investigators are hammering out a plea deal on some of those charges that will be presented to a judge on Monday, Aug. 19. The details on that agreement, which charges he will admit to, and …
Ousted NY Rep Santos Celebrates 'Squad' Member's 'Humiliating' Loss: 'We're Coming To Get You' Ousted NY Rep Santos Celebrates 'Squad' Member's 'Humiliating' Loss: 'We're Coming To Get You'
Ousted NY Rep Santos Celebrates 'Squad' Member's 'Humiliating' Loss: 'We're Coming To Get You' Former Rep. George Santos may have been banished out into the political cold, but he's kept his grudges hot.  The 36-year-old former Republican who served New York's 3rd District posted a video Tuesday night, Aug. 6, celebrating after another member of the so-called "Squad" lost her primary. Related: Santos Announces Comeback Bid After Being Ousted From Congress Rep. Cori Bush, who has served Missouri's 1st District since 2021, lost her bid on Tuesday to remain on the Democratic ticket to local prosecutor Wesley Bell, who garnered 51 percent of the vote to Bush's 45, according to NBC News.…
George Santos Launches OnlyFans Account: 'The Moment You've All Been Waiting For' George Santos Launches OnlyFans Account: 'The Moment You've All Been Waiting For'
George Santos Launches OnlyFans Account: 'The Moment You've All Been Waiting For' Disgraced former New York Rep. George Santos announced that he now has an OnlyFans account where subscribers can get “full behind-the-scenes access” for $30 a month. The ex-lawmaker, a Republican from Long Island, served 11 months before he was ousted from his 3rd District seat representing parts of Nassau County and Queens. Since then, the admitted liar has stayed firmly in the public eye, appearing on internet shows, launching a Cameo account (which led to Santos suing late-night host Jimmy Kimmel), and even allegedly working on a documentary and a reality show. His next venture? Only…
Westchester Postal Carrier Took Credit Cards, Checks From Mail, Stole Identities: Feds Westchester Postal Carrier Took Credit Cards, Checks From Mail, Stole Identities: Feds
Westchester Postal Carrier Took Credit Cards, Checks From Mail, Stole Identities: Feds A Westchester County postal carrier from Long Island faces federal charges after taking credit cards, checks, and identities from the mail to steal money from those along her route, officials announced.  Nassau County resident Tameka Babulal of Hempstead, age 36, was arrested in connection with the alleged identity theft scheme on Wednesday, May 22, the US Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York announced. Babulal, a mail carrier who worked in the Westchester County city of Mount Vernon, was arrested along with her husband, Hempstead resident 36-year-old Joel Babul…
George Santos Announces Comeback Bid For NY Congressional Seat: 'Off To The Races' George Santos Announces Comeback Bid For NY Congressional Seat: 'Off To The Races'
George Santos Announces Comeback Bid For NY Congressional Seat: 'Off To The Races' Disgraced former New York Rep. George Santos is mounting a comeback campaign. The Republican ex-lawmaker from Long Island – who was ousted from his 3rd District seat representing parts of Nassau County and Queens – announced a primary challenge against Rep. Nick LaLota for his 1st District seat. In a statement on X shared during President Biden’s State of the Union address Thursday night, March 7, Santos said New York hasn’t had “a real conservative represent them” since he left office “thanks to RINO, empty suits like Nick LaLota.” Earlier Report: Exiled Congressman Turned Reality …
Exiled Congressman Turned Reality TV Star? 2 George Santos Productions In Works, He Claims Exiled Congressman Turned Reality TV Star? 2 George Santos Productions In Works, He Claims
Exiled Congressman Turned Reality TV Star? 2 George Santos Productions In Works, He Claims If disgraced former New York congressman and admitted liar George Santos is to be believed, you haven’t seen the last of him. The Republican ex-lawmaker told City & State New York he’s been busy working on both a documentary and a reality TV show since being ousted from his 3rd District House seat representing parts of Nassau County and Queens. “So there’s just so many things that I’m working on now that I prefer to engage in instead of going into a messy primary to take on (newly sworn-in Democratic Rep.) Tom Suozzi,” Santos told the outlet. Earlier Report: Not Laughi…
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