Sri Lankan authorities have detained over 60 Indian nationals in connection with an online financial scam. The crackdown, triggered by a victim’s complaint, uncovered a scheme involving WhatsApp groups and forced deposits. Police seized numerous phones and laptops during raids in Negombo and Colombo, highlighting the operation’s scale and international connections.
Charles ‘Todd’ Hill, a former star of the HGTV show ‘Flip It to Win It,’ has been sentenced to four years in jail and ordered to pay nearly $10 million in restitution for committing real estate and financial fraud against 11 victims. Prosecutors alleged that Hill used investor money intended for home purchases to fund a lavish lifestyle, laundered profits, and falsified financial statements.
Despite precautions, Martha McCully’s Chase account was hacked, resulting in the loss of $50,000. The scam involved a phone call claiming to be from Chase, leading to wire transfers and the depletion of funds. Despite using an encrypted vault for passwords, McCully’s money was unrecoverable. Phone scams are increasingly sophisticated, with victims of all ages being targeted. Scammers use artificial intelligence to impersonate banks and trick victims into transferring money. The Better Business Bureau reports that 18-24-year-olds lost the most money to scams in 2022, underscoring the need for vigilance. Victims are left wondering why bank algorithms fail to detect fraudulent wire transfers.
An investigation revealed that Victoria Zerillo, the general manager of a non-profit organization providing repair services to senior citizens, embezzled over $410,000 from the non-profit between December 2015 and November 2022. Zerillo’s fraudulent activities involved creating false bank statements and destroying records to conceal the theft. She used the stolen funds for personal expenses, including luxury vacations. The victim of the embezzlement testified that Zerillo’s actions caused significant financial harm. This case serves as a reminder to report any suspected financial fraud by calling 833-FRAUD-11.
A senior couple lost their life savings of $900,000 after falling victim to an elaborate timeshare scam. The scammers contacted the couple, offering to sell their vacation home. The couple was pressured into sending money to cover border transactions and avoid fines. They eventually borrowed money from their daughter and put their home on the market. The FBI warns of increasing sophistication of scams and urges timeshare owners to be wary of unsolicited calls and pressure tactics. Research potential buyers and consult an attorney before making any decisions.
Motorists are being urged to be vigilant against parking app scams, which have caused significant distress. Experts advise downloading apps only from trusted platforms, scrutinizing financial statements for suspicious charges, and being cautious about QR codes on parking meters. Scammers have become increasingly sophisticated in creating fake websites and using sly tactics, so it’s crucial for drivers to take these precautions to protect their personal information and finances.
Angela Fae Brown, a former accountant for Viking Pavers in Richmond, California, has been charged with embezzling more than $800,000 from the company between September 2017 and November 2022. Brown allegedly exploited her accounting skills to illegally enrich herself by creating a fake account with a payment processing service linked to her personal bank account. She then generated phony invoices and paid them with the company’s funds, funneling the money into her own account. Brown’s trusted employee status allowed her to conceal her embezzlement scheme for nearly five years before she was confronted by a manager and authorities launched an investigation.
Clyde ‘Peter’ Hall, a former New York Giants player, was sentenced to five years in prison for attempting to sell fentanyl-laced drugs outside his Manhattan apartment. Hall, now 85 years old, had previously been involved in a 2010 financial fraud case and was out on home confinement when he was arrested for possession of six kilograms of cocaine in 2021. Despite pleading guilty, he was sentenced to the minimum penalty, with his attorney arguing that he should spend his remaining years surrounded by family rather than in prison.
Former HGTV star Todd Chrisley has been sentenced to four years in prison for committing real estate and financial fraud against 11 victims. The 58-year-old reality television personality, who starred in the show ‘Chrisley Knows Best,’ was convicted of grand theft and admitted to aggravated white-collar enhancements. He was ordered to pay back restitution of $9,402,678.43 and serve 10 years on probation.
Charles ‘Todd’ Hill, known for his role on HGTV’s ‘Flip It to Win It,’ has been sentenced to jail in California for committing real estate and financial fraud against 11 victims. Hill fraudulently pocketed millions from overbudget remodels, laundered profits, and used Ponzi schemes to sustain a lavish lifestyle. Prosecutors allege that he spent the stolen funds on a luxurious apartment, vacations, and luxury vehicles. Hill’s fraudulent activities extended beyond his HGTV appearance, and he admitted to aggravated white-collar enhancements during his trial.
