BALTIMORE, MD—On March 27, the federal government passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), which aims to provide financial relief to individuals and businesses affected by the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic in the United States. Key provisions of the act include direct payments to some individuals, based on income (a “stimulus check”); extended unemployment benefits; small business […]
BALTIMORE, MD—U.S. Attorney Robert K. Hur and Special Agent in Charge Kelly R. Jackson of the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) on Friday warned taxpayers to be alert about possible scams relating to COVID-19, especially in connection with economic impact payments. The announcement is an effort to prevent taxpayers in need from being victimized by criminals using the […]
UPDATE: Comptroller Peter Franchot is also warning residents to be wary of stimulus scams. More in the tweet embedded below. Original story below… —— BALTIMORE, MD—Department of Public Works Acting Director Matthew W. Garbark on Monday advised Baltimore-area water customers to be aware of scams being done during the COVID-19 pandemic. DPW advises that scammers may call customers on the […]
ANNAPOLIS, MD—The Federal Trade Commission has reported that scammers are taking advantage of fears surrounding the coronavirus, including through the sale of counterfeit products and the solicitation of money and personal information. When charities request donations in response to the coronavirus, Marylanders may feel duty-bound to donate in an effort to help their neighbors. Maryland’s Secretary of State John C. […]
BALTIMORE, MD—Maryland U.S. Attorney Robert K. Hur joined Attorney General William P. Barr, FBI Director Christopher A. Wray, and Chief Postal Inspector Gary R. Barksdale this week in announcing the largest coordinated sweep of elder fraud cases in history. This year, prosecutors charged more than 400 defendants, far surpassing the 260 defendants charged in cases as part of last year’s […]
BALTIMORE, MD—Catherine Pugh has been sentenced to prison. On Thursday afternoon, a federal judge sentenced the former Baltimore mayor to three years in federal prison followed by three years of probation. Pugh was indicted by a grand jury on November 14 of last year. She pleaded guilty to charges of wire fraud, conspiracy, conspiracy to defraud the United States, and […]
BALTIMORE, MD—Federal prosecutors recommended on Thursday that former Baltimore Mayor Catherine Pugh be sentenced to nearly five years in prison. Last fall, Pugh was indicted on federal charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, seven counts of wire fraud, conspiracy to defraud the United States, and two counts of tax evasion. She indicted by a federal grand jury in connection […]
EDGEWOOD, MD—Police are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying a fraud suspect. At around 6:15 p.m. on December 18, officers responded to the Shoe City located in the 1800-block of Pulaski Highway in Edgewood for a report of fraud. Upon arrival, deputies from the Harford County Sheriff’s Office were informed that the victim had lost a debit card earlier in […]