Author: Danielle Antosz

Complaints of crimes and missing person reports on cruises that dock at U.S. ports have surged in recent years, fueling what one security expert calls a “dark cloud” over an industry eager to protect its reputation.

Department of Transportation figures show 48 alleged incidents between Jan. 1 and March 30 of this year: 23 reports of rape, 10 of other forms of sexual assault, seven of physical assault and seven of theft greater than $10,000. One missing U.S. national was also reported.

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There were also 47 alleged incidents in each of the first and third quarters of 2024, 50 in the fourth quarter of 2023 and 55 in the second quarter of 2023.

“All of that negative vibe and negative information puts a dark cloud over the industry,” Robert McDonald, a former Secret Service agent and lecturer on criminal justice at the University of New Haven, told Fox News in a story published May 15. Cruise lines “want [passengers] to be comfortable spending their money.”

A spokesperson for the Cruise Lines International Association told Fox News that “crime is extremely rare on cruise ships” thanks to strict security vetting and training that "make cruise[s] one of the safest holiday options.”

Are cruise ships more prone to crime?

A mixture of large groups of people, alcohol and the sense of freedom that comes with being on vacation can create an environment that’s more prone to illicit activity, says McDonald.

“Anytime we get together, those numbers are going to go up, whether that’s at a resort, whether it’s on a cruise ship,” he said.

Among recent reports:

On March 21, two men in their 30s were arrested, accused of raping a 14-year-old boy in a sauna aboard a Royal Caribbean cruise ship, reports the Miami Herald. Both men were charged with sexual battery of a minor, exposing themselves to a minor and molestation of a child aged 12 to 16. One man faced an additional charge of not informing another person in a sexual act of his HIV status.

“We take these allegations very seriously and immediately notified local law enforcement,” a Royal Caribbean Group spokesperson told the Herald.

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A month later, dozens of Carnival Cruise Line passengers were banned after video of a brawl at a Galveston, Texas, terminal emerged on social media showing people kicking and punching one another as they disembarked, according to Fox News. Carnival told the news outlet the matter was referred to law enforcement, and stressed that the company “will not tolerate such behavior.”

How to protect yourself while on a cruise

While reports of alleged crime on the high seas may be elevated, some experts insist cruises remain a safe way to travel. If you choose to cruise, you can be proactive and make sure you understand the laws that can help keep you safe.

Know the laws for your ship

Jurisdiction on cruise ships is a constantly moving target that can change after a vessel moves away from shore. Within 12 nautical miles of the coast, the coastal nation’s criminal code typically applies; beyond 12 miles, the ship falls under the law of the country whose flag it flies. Maritime laws may also apply. Before you sail, make sure you understand which laws and regulations will apply during your trip.

Research cruise line safety records

Statistics for reports of alleged crimes of major cruise operators appear in quarterly Department of Transportation reports, and the CDC publishes sanitation scores for each ship. This can help you decide which cruise line and which ship you’re comfortable sailing on.

If you see something, say something

Cruise ships have internal emergency systems, including dedicated phone lines. Report suspicious behaviour immediately.

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Sovereign Health Group, once one of the country’s largest addiction treatment providers, shut down in disgrace in 2018 — but former CEO Tonmoy Sharma appears to be back in business.

As NBC4 Los Angeles reports, a detox and mental health facility called Dana Shores Recovery has opened in a home Sharma owns in San Juan Capistrano, a city in Southern California. The facility pays $10,000 a month to a business registered in Sharma’s name.

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That leaves neighbors, addictions treatment advocates and at least one family whose son took his life at a Sovereign Health Group facility shocked.

“I think all of the neighbors are really concerned,” one neighbor told NBC4 Los Angeles, noting that it is also of concern that a full-blown business is now operating 24/7 in a residential neighborhood.

Laurie Girand, a driving force behind Advocates for Responsible Treatment in San Juan Capistrano, goes further.

“This is completely despicable,” Girand said to NBC4. “How is it that the State of California, knowing everything it does know about Tonmoy Sharma, and about his history of Sovereign Health is allowing him to continue to profit off businesses that are related to addictions treatment or mental health?”

Addictions treatment scandal

This May, Sharma was arrested in connection with an ongoing federal investigation into the now-defunct Sovereign Health Group.

He faces charges of wire fraud, conspiracy and $21 million in illegal kickbacks for patient referrals in connection with the now-defunct Sovereign Health Group. If found guilty on all counts, he faces up to 35 years in prison.

Sharma’s former business is alleged to have submitted $149 million in false claims to private insurers.

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These allegations have yet to be proven in court. But in 2022, Health Net Insurance won a $45-million fraud judgment in a suit against Sharma and Sovereign Health, as the Orange County Register reports.

Meanwhile, Rose and Allen Nelson — who lost their son Brandon to suicide at Sovereign’s San Clemente facility in 2017 — settled with Sharma’s insurer for $11 million in 2024. They say they were lied to about the services the facility would provide.

"It was marketed as, ‘He will have 24/7 oversight of psychologists, a house manager, psychiatrists would come in. They’d have group therapy,’” Rose Nelson told NBC4. “Nothing was provided…it was all lies.”

Lack of licensing standards

That Dana Shores Recovery could open in Sharma’s home despite his history shows a lack of licensing standards around mental health and addictions treatment, Girand argues.

"There are virtually no standards,” she said. “No fingerprinting, there’s no review of criminal history. There’s nothing that will protect vulnerable individuals from being preyed upon.”

She’s joining state legislators in calling for better oversight. California State Assemblymember Laurie Davies has introduced a number of bills designed to protect vulnerable families from predatory treatment facilities.

If passed, these bills would set standards for licensed and certified treatment programs and increase transparency of state investigations into complaints around those programs.

“These are common-sense measures that go straight to addressing the health, recovery, and safety of vulnerable patients,” said Davies.

It’s a start — but critics say the system remains dangerously open to abuse.

How to choose a legitimate treatment center

With limited state oversight, families often bear the burden of vetting mental health and addiction recovery centers themselves. Here are a few steps that can help protect you or your loved one:

• Check licenses and certifications. Verify the facility is licensed and has a clean track record.
• Research the staff. Be wary if the facility doesn’t list the names or qualifications of its counselors and medical professionals. Legitimate providers are transparent about who’s on staff.
• Watch for red flags. Vague answers, pushy intake staff, or promises of “miracle cures” all indicate shady operations. If it sounds too good to be true, take the time to dig deeper.
• Get payment details in writing. Make sure any claims about cost coverage are spelled out clearly in writing and verified with your insurer.
• Look up reviews and complaints. A web search, like this, can reveal lawsuits, disciplinary actions, or concerning patterns. Read both positive and negative reviews to get a balanced picture.

For many families, the stakes couldn’t be higher. People entering treatment are often at their most vulnerable, and they deserve care from trustworthy professionals, not profiteers.

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A 19th century home in Sanford, Florida that survived hurricanes and a nearly two-mile move to its current spot may soon be bulldozed to make room for a highway.

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Officials from the Central Florida Expressway Authority (CFX) are planning to build a two-lane road designed to relieve traffic congestion in Seminole County by connecting State Road 417 and the Orlando Sanford International Airport.

But according to news reports from the Tampa Bay Times and WESH 2, the preferred route, known as Alignment 2A, runs straight through the 10-acre property where Becky Burke’s home sits — an 1800s-era two-story house that has already been relocated once to escape demolition. A map revealed the road would be “going through my dining room,” she said.

If the plans move forward, the state is expected to use eminent domain to seize the land.

But Burke, whose husband Ken passed away in August, may not have the strength to relocate the home all over again. She told WESH 2 it will depend on how much money she’s given and how much land the government takes.

"I love it out here," she said. "Knowing it was Ken’s family, his history, his grandfather passed away here, he passed away here, so there’s so much emotion that goes into that piece of what I’m facing."

Officials report the need to reduce traffic

The couple moved the house in 2003 after the original land it sat on was sold to developers.

Relocating the structure was no small feat — it took from July to November to complete, just in time for Thanksgiving.

"That was quite a feat,” Burke told WESH 2. “I think I wired every outlet in the house.”

That effort preserved more than a structure; it preserved a family’s history.

"If the legacy ends with me, that’s fine, I’m OK with that," she said. "But the emotional loss, it’s like, one more thing. One more thing to break my heart, one more thing to make me just feel a little overwhelmed and sad."

The new roughly two-mile road has a tentative budget of $200 million. The CFX says it will reduce the number of cars per day on Lake Mary Boulevard by nearly half by 2050.

"For those of you who travel in and out of our amazing airport, you know the traffic backs up over there," said Rebekah Arthur, president of the Seminole County Chamber, according to WESH 2. "So this connector is going to be a very needed extension to our airport and will help people come in and out, especially as our sports tourism grows."

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What rights do homeowners have when it comes to eminent domain?

According to the Tampa Bay Times, the CFX estimates it will spend $18.3 million for the acquisition of properties along the right-of-way.

Eminent domain is a legal process that allows governments to take private property for public use, such as highways or bridges, provided the owner is given “just compensation.”

But just because it’s legal doesn’t mean it always feels fair.

Owners like Burke should expect to be paid market value for their homes, but that may not always cover the full cost of relocation or compensate for the emotional stress.

In Florida, property owners have the right to challenge eminent domain in court. They can:

• Dispute the taking itself: This is an option if property owners believe the land isn’t truly needed for a public project.
• Challenge the compensation amount: If the offered payment doesn’t reflect the property’s fair market value, owners can argue for a higher fee.
• Negotiate relocation: Owners can argue that relocation benefits offered are not sufficient.
• Partial takings: When only part of a property is taken, owners can argue that the impact on the remaining property is not being fairly compensated.

If you live or own property in the area, there are steps you can take to have your voice heard.

The CFX will hold two public meetings in July where residents can ask questions and voice concerns about the project.

Attending those meetings is one of the best ways for impacted homeowners to stay informed, get involved, and advocate for better outcomes — whether that means alternate routes or help preserving historic properties.

The Tampa Bay Times says the CFX’s governing board — made up of elected officials from the Central Florida region — will then review the project at its October public meeting.

As for Burke, the future remains uncertain.

“I’m always the one that’s trying to encourage other people and love on them and care for them,” she said. “And now, I’m in this place where I don’t know where God is leading me.”

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A 31-year-old homeowner has found herself in a common modern-day dilemma: Should she stay put in a home she owns (with a great mortgage rate) or take the next step with her partner and buy a second home together?

Understandable if she didn’t want to sell — she’s owned her home for less than two years, the mortgage is locked in at 4.75% and her monthly payment, including taxes and escrow, is only $1,000. It’s a hard deal to walk away from.

But her boyfriend is ready to buy and move forward with their relationship. Now, she’s left wondering: Would it make more financial sense to rent out her home, co-buy a new place or sell and start fresh?

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If you’re in a similar situation — balancing homeownership with a new relationship (and the potential of increasing your real estate costs), here’s what to consider before making your next move.

Factors to consider before buying a home with a partner

Purchasing a second home is a big financial commitment that requires careful consideration. Take the time to assess the practical implications before you take the plunge. Here are a few questions to help you determine if buying a second home aligns with your financial and personal goals.​

Is the relationship solid?

Purchasing property with a partner is a big commitment. Unmarried couples should consider a cohabitation agreement, similar to a prenup, to outline ownership shares, financial responsibilities and procedures in case of a breakup. This legal document can help prevent disputes and protect both parties’ interests.​ But, if you have any misgivings about the relationship, purchasing a home together is not likely the best course of action.

What happens if you do get married down the line?

Women, in particular, should think carefully about maintaining financial independence when entering joint property ownership. If marriage is on the horizon, consider how that might affect ownership of the home. Do you plan to have children? If so, how might that impact your income and your ability to contribute to mortgage payments? Having these conversations now can help you determine if it’s a good idea.

Is renting worth it?

Turning your current home into a rental can offer passive income and long-term equity growth. However, it also introduces landlord responsibilities, potential vacancy risks and tax implications. Run the numbers before going this route. Assess the local rental market to determine if the potential income outweighs the costs. If you’re considering a management company, make sure you can afford it.

Do you have enough savings?

Owning two properties requires financial planning — and a strong financial standing. Ensure you have at least a six-month emergency fund, sufficient funds for a down payment and reserves to cover potential vacancies or maintenance issues in your first home. Lenders often require higher reserves for second homes, so assess your financial readiness carefully.

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How to prepare and protect yourself when buying a home with a partner

In some cases, it might make sense to buy a second home with a partner you aren’t married to. If you decide to take this route, here are a few steps to help reduce the risk and protect your financial future.

1. Discuss financial goals and responsibilities

Before house hunting, have an open conversation about your financial situations, including income, debts, credit scores and long-term goals. Decide how expenses like the mortgage, utilities and maintenance will be split.​ Talk about what will happen if you do break up.

2. Decide how you’ll hold the title

When purchasing property together, the most important step is deciding how the title will be held. The two main options include:​

• Joint Tenancy: Both partners have equal ownership, and if one passes away, the other automatically inherits the deceased’s share.​
• Tenancy in Common: Each partner owns a specific share of the property, which can be unequal. Upon death, the deceased’s share doesn’t automatically go to the surviving partner but is distributed according to their will or state laws.​

Choosing the right ownership structure is crucial, especially if either partner has children or other heirs. Consult with a real estate attorney to ensure your ownership structure works for your situation.

3. Plan for the future

Consider how life changes — like marriage, children or career moves — might affect your living situation. Discuss plans for refinancing, selling or renting the property in the future. Regularly revisit your agreement to ensure it still aligns with your circumstances.​

Buying a home with someone is a big step — both financially and emotionally. By being open, communicating clearly and putting agreements in writing, you can help protect your relationship and your financial future.

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A Maryland homeowner, who asked to only be identified by his first name, Pete, says squatters are demanding $5,000 to vacate his home after gaining access to the property through a fraudulent Instagram rental scheme.

ABC 7 News reports that two adults and two children had moved in, changed the locks and gave police a signed “Squatter Lease Agreement Addendum,” a document investigators say is part of a larger fraudulent rental scheme, and one that Pete knew nothing about.

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The purported squatters allegedly told officers they paid $1,500 to a woman they met on Instagram who claimed she could get them a house in any area they wanted. All they had to do was pay a one-time fee — no rent, no lease, no questions asked.

Organized criminal networks are exploiting homeowners through fake online listings

According to dispatch audio and police reports obtained by ABC 7, officers were called to Pete’s property on May 29 after a realtor noticed signs of forced entry.

The BCPD report states that “a realtor attempted to show the property to a prospective renter when he noticed shavings on the ground of the front door entrance, the lockbox to the property missing, and the locks changed.” Police noted visible damage to the basement door consistent with forced entry.

According to police reports reviewed by ABC 7 News, the male occupant at Pete’s home admitted he knew what he was doing was wrong — but said he felt he had no other option. He reportedly claimed the individual told him the real homeowner might eventually show up but he’d have the chance to “work something out” when that happened. In some cases, however, renters don’t know they are entering into a fraudulent lease.

Baltimore County Police say this isn’t an isolated incident. The same Instagram account that connected these squatters to Pete’s home has been mentioned in at least two other squatting cases in the area, including one in Windsor Mill and another in Baltimore City.

Just days later, a similar scene unfolded in East Baltimore. According to ABC 7 News, a man with active warrants was found living in a taxpayer-funded, newly renovated home meant for first-time buyers. Police said he appeared to have fallen victim to the same social media squatter scam and was later arrested following a standoff. The property owner, developer Joanna Bartholomew, said she discovered the unauthorized occupants just as the home was about to be finalized for sale. She called for immediate legal reforms to hold those behind the scam accountable.

Baltimore County State Delegate Ryan Nawrocki says these cases show a troubling trend: coordinated squatting scams that operate like organized crime. “We have people who are doing this time and time again, and we know who they are. It’s no different than any other criminal network that we would normally hold very seriously accountable,” he told ABC 7.

Law enforcement struggles to prosecute squatting scams

As these scams grow more common, authorities say the legal system is struggling to keep up. Baltimore County State’s Attorney Scott Shellenberger says these scams are difficult to prosecute because they often involve two sets of victims: homeowners, and tenants who believe they’ve found a legitimate place to live.

“You have a victim who signs a lease and gets ripped off—and you have a property owner who loses control of their home,” Shellenberger said. His office is pursuing charges when possible, but he says that criminals are finding ways to commit crimes that states lack laws to address.

Some states, like Florida and California, have begun passing laws to protect property owners from these situations.

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Tips for homeowners: How to protect your home from squatting scams

Realtor.com suggests that homeowners can try to protect their property from squatters with security measures, such as:

• Secure vacant homes: Use security cameras, check the property frequently and alert neighbors if your property is unoccupied.
• Make the home look occupied: Timed lights, security signs, planters and even children’s toys can make it look like someone lives in the home.
• Report tampering immediately: If locks are changed or signs of forced entry appear, notify police right away. The longer squatters stay, the harder it can be to remove them.
• Screen for your property online: Monitor real estate and social media platforms for listings using your address without your consent. Consider setting up an alert for your address that will notify you if anything about your address is posted.
• Consult a property attorney: Eviction and trespass laws vary by state, and laws are constantly changing. You may need legal help to remove unauthorized occupants.

Tips for renters: How to avoid a fake lease

For those looking for a place to rent, Experian provides tips on how to avoid falling for a bogus listing:

• Don’t trust listings from social media: Scammers prey on desperation. If it seems too easy or too cheap, it probably is.
• Tour the property: This will prove the person offering the home has access. While it’s not foolproof, it’s another step that can help protect you.
• Verify the landlord’s identity: Ask to see ID, ownership documents or work through a licensed realtor.
• Watch for red flags: Cash-only payments, no background checks, lease agreements with vague or unusual language or being told to change the locks yourself indicate something isn’t right.
• Check the property’s status: Use county records or real estate platforms to confirm if it’s actually available for rent and who owns it. If the home is for sale or lists an owner other than the person you spoke with, walk away.

Squatting scams like this are growing more common and more sophisticated. Pete’s story is a warning for both homeowners and renters: in the age of online scams and fake listings, protecting your home, or finding one, may require more vigilance than ever.

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This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

A freshman Arizona Corporation Commissioner refused to back down in a public meeting with one of the state’s largest utilities — and got them to come clean about their mistake.

Commissioner René Lopez, who holds a degree in nuclear engineering and is a former Chandler City Council member, raised concerns about one of Arizona Public Service’s (APS) calculations during a discussion earlier this year about a potential rate adjustment for customers. The exchange featured Lopez repeatedly questioning the company’s math, while APS insisted multiple times that their numbers were correct.

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“I realize I’m new here, but I’m really concerned this is not accurate,” he said in footage shown by 12 News in a story published May 23.

Here’s how Lopez’s persistence won the day, and why consumer advocates want to see more of this type of behavior from public servants.

Notice of Errata

Lopez wasn’t just concerned about the immediate mistake — he warned the APS that errors like this could undermine trust in the utility’s entire rate-setting process.

“I think the concern is that if there’s a mathematical error, it brings into [question] how other items may not be calculated correctly,” he said during the Feb. 5 public meeting.

Eight times Lopez asked APS to explain its math, per 12 News, which means he had eight chances to back down following responses by the utility giant.

After the ninth round of pushback from Lopez, APS agreed to review the figures. Two days later, APS filed a “Notice of Errata,” an official document rectifying their mistake, admitting the commissioner was correct.

In the end, the commission chose a different rate adjustment that didn’t involve the bad formula, however, Lopez received praise for his determination, especially as a newcomer, on a matter that could have had an effect on the bills of homeowners across Arizona.

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More of that, please

Diane Brown of Arizona PIRG, a public interest advocacy group, applauded Lopez for holding APS to account.

“When I saw Commissioner Lopez question APS on their numbers and continue to pursue, I thought: we have a regulator who is really there to drill down into what the utility is saying, what they’re meaning and what the accuracy of their comments are,” she told 12 News.

Even if there’s a potential billing discrepancy of a fraction of a percent — as was the case in this instance, the broadcaster says — the implications could be huge, especially if a company has millions of consumers, such as APS.

While many consumers may not be in a position to challenge a utility company’s math during a regulatory hearing, Lopez’s actions remind us that asking questions matters. Even one voice, when persistent and informed, can help hold powerful entities accountable and protect consumers from costly mistakes.

But there are still ways the public can be heard. Whether it’s checking your own bill for errors, attending public hearings or supporting organizations that represent consumers, you can take action to ensure your voice is heard.

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This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

A new report from the United Way’s ALICE project reveals a troubling 47% of Florida households don’t earn enough to cover basic living expenses.

ALICE stands for “asset-limited, income-constrained and employed” and refers to households that are above the poverty line but earn less than what the organization says is needed to afford the basics depending on household composition and location. This includes housing, child care, food, transportation, health care and technology, plus taxes and a contingency fund that equals 10% of a household’s budget.

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The report, which focuses on data from 2023, says the average “survival budget” in Florida ranged from $33,804 for a single adult up to $86,688 for a family of four with two adults and two children in child care. Of the state’s nearly 9 million households, 13% lived below the federal poverty line while 34% were considered ALICE. The poverty line in 2023 was $14,580 for individuals and $30,000 for a family of four.

In some areas, the “survival budget” was much higher. Monroe County, for example, was among the most expensive places, with necessities costing single adults $45,948 and two adults with two kids in child care $106,608.

How are families coping?

The ALICE classification shines a spotlight on households who may earn too much to qualify for traditional aid programs but not enough to meet the rising cost of living. This includes Florida’s senior households, which make up the largest portion of this group by age.

“More and more households 65 and older are now classified as ALICE,” Ernest Hooper, Chief Communications Officer at United Way Suncoast, told ABC Action News in a story published May 19. “They’re living paycheck to paycheck and not saving money.”

That includes people like Leonora Gaspar, who’s disabled and on a fixed income. She relies on organizations like Feeding Tampa Bay for some free meals.

“It helps a lot,” she told ABC Action News. “The rent, it’s more expensive.”

Other residents in need pointed to skyrocketing food costs.

“I’m spending at least $300 to $400 just on food,” Felicia Acosta told ABC Action News. She says her husband died last year and she provides for her three grandchildren.

Florida’s high cost of living compounds the issue. As of May 9, Insure.com ranked Florida’s cost of living at 9.35% higher than the national average.

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Help your family make ends meet

Compared to other states, Florida’s cost of living is on the higher end. For families struggling to close the gap, here are some practical steps:

Call 211 for local help: United Way operates a free 211 hotline that connects people to local nonprofits, food assistance, childcare programs, rent relief and more.

Apply for benefits: ALICE households may still qualify for support like SNAP, Medicaid for children or subsidized child care. Don’t assume you’re ineligible or that others need it more — these programs exist to help families.

Revisit your housing options: If you’re renting, consider renegotiating your lease or exploring income-based housing programs. Housing is often a family’s single biggest expense — and the hardest to change — so start there. If possible, consider sharing housing with extended family or friends to reduce expenses.

Cut food costs without sacrificing nutrition: Shop at local markets, consider bulk stores and use community food pantries as a supplement when needed. If you have children in public school, ask the school social worker about additional food and support programs.

Build toward financial security: Even saving $10 or $20 a week in a high-yield savings account can provide a buffer. You can also track your spending and find areas to trim.

Connect with mutual aid groups: Some neighborhoods have hyper-local support networks where community members share resources like gently used clothing, extra food, school supplies or household goods. Search online or on social media for a group near you.

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This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

A new scam is hitting Prince George’s County in Maryland and it’s more convincing than most.

Residents are receiving alarming phone calls from someone claiming to be with the sheriff’s department. The caller warns them of an outstanding warrant for their arrest and then says they can resolve the matter — for a fee.

The twist? Scammers are using the names of real deputies, including Assistant Sheriff Stanford A. Moore Jr., to make the scam seem more legitimate.

The sheriff’s department wants residents to be aware of what to look out for and how to identify these scams.

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What are the police saying?

According to Moore, the sheriff’s department has seen several types of scams in the past, but this one is especially concerning.

“One instance, my name was used as one of the people who may come lock you up,” Moore said. “I’ve heard about scams before, I’ve seen the other emails and I’ve seen different things, but to see your name listed as one of the people who may be out soliciting — it was shocking to me.”

The scammers even instruct victims to meet them in person at the sheriff’s headquarters, likely hoping the location will add legitimacy to their request for cash.

“This is where we work every day and they’re telling people to meet them here in the parking lot, bring cash money and then we’ll get you out of this warrant, which is totally false," Moore said.

He wants residents to know they will never collect money or financial information by phone.

“We’re not calling people to spark fear and demand money because you may have missed a court date or whatever the fact may be,” Moore told NBC 4 Washington.

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What to do if you’re targeted by a warrant scam

A warrant scam is a type of fraud in which scammers pose as law enforcement officers and claim that you have an outstanding warrant for your arrest. They typically demand immediate payment, often through cash, gift cards, or wire transfers, to avoid jail time.

These scams rely on fear and urgency to pressure victims into handing over money without verifying the legitimacy of the claim. The threat of jail — paired with the use of a real officer’s name — can make even savvy residents feel pressured to act without thinking.

But Moore wants the public to remember one simple rule: “Always call and verify.”

Moore adds: “If somebody is claiming to be a police officer, claiming to be a deputy sheriff, have [the resident] call 911 to verify or call the sheriff’s office,” he said. “We have a website. We have a mobile app." Similarly, don’t panic and don’t agree to meet. Take the following steps instead:

• Hang up and call police directly: Don’t trust a number the caller gives you. Use the sheriff’s official website or call 911. Ask if there is a warrant for you and find out if anyone called.
• Never send money or gift cards: Law enforcement will never request payment over the phone or ask for payment in gift cards, cryptocurrency or via cash payment apps.
• Be skeptical of urgency: Scammers want you to act fast so you don’t have a chance to assess their claims critically and that’s always a red flag. If you’re concerned about contacting law enforcement yourself, consider reaching out to a trusted friend or family member for guidance.
• Verify identities independently: Just because someone knows a real name or badge number doesn’t mean they’re legitimate because these days such information is often available online or even in data breaches. Search the provided names online — but remember, sometimes scammers use real names to give their call a sense of legitimacy.
• Report the scam: If you receive a suspicious call, notify the sheriff’s office or other law enforcement agency immediately. There may be other victims and you could be preventing future crimes.

Prince George’s County Sheriffs are hoping that spreading the word about this scam will help protect residents from parting with their hard-earned cash. For the scammers, Moore has a message: “We’re just here to say enough is enough."

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Marcia and Carlton Lee’s month‑long property nightmare on Chicago’s South Side is finally over.

The couple have reclaimed their vacant house — one they’re trying to sell — after police arrested and removed a stranger who moved in with her family, with paperwork to suggest she owned it.

"I knew the ID was fake," Marcia told ABC 7 Chicago. “I knew the documentation was fake. I’m just super excited that they finally got her out."

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The woman in question — Shermaine Powell‑Gillard — now faces a stack of felony and misdemeanor charges.

The Lees have to clean up a mess of trash and some minor damage in the home before they put it back on the market, but they’re just grateful to have it back.

"It brings peace to my household," Carlton said. "That’s what I need."

Why it took four weeks for the stranger to vacate

The Lees’ trouble began in early April, when they arrived at the vacant property to show it to a realtor and prospective buyer and discovered a woman who introduced herself as “Stacy” living inside.

She presented mortgage documents and photo ID that, at first glance, appeared legitimate. Officers called to the scene treated the confrontation as a civil dispute and said they lacked the authority to remove her.

Illinois law requires property owners to evict squatters under the Forcible Entry and Detainer Act, a process that can drag on for months.

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Frustrated by the situation, the Lees approached ABC7 for help. Marcia noted that on the supposed mortgage documents the woman presented, the property PIN matched a different home.

Following media coverage, police revisited the evidence and concluded the ID and mortgage file were indeed fakes.

Officers escorted Powell‑Gillard out of the home and charged her with forgery, burglary, obstructing identification, and criminal trespass. She has since been released and is awaiting her trial.

The Lees have boarded up every window and door of their vacant home to make sure they don’t have to deal with a repeat of the situation.

Meanwhile, Illinois state representative La Shawn Ford is looking to change the existing eviction legislation so owners don’t have to go through the Forceable Entry Act and go to court to evict squatters.

Under his proposed law, police could remove a squatter as soon as the legitimate homeowner can prove they own the home. The Illinois Senate has passed the bill but it awaits a House vote.

Protect your vacant property from squatters

Reports of squatting are on the rise across the United States, though it remains relatively rare.

Experts say that a tight housing market, slow civil courts, and social-media how-to guides have emboldened squatters.

Until legislation catches up, here are a few practical safeguards to protect your own vacant property:

Get surveillance cameras

Install cameras in secure, difficult-to-reach places. If a squatter claims a legal right to the home, footage can prove they broke in and move the case from civil to criminal court.

Ask neighbors to keep an eye out

Talk to your neighbors and let them know the home is vacant. Ask them to call or text you if they see anyone at the house so you can take action quickly.

Remove or replace lock boxes

If you’re using a lock box for realtor access, make sure it has a hard-to-guess code. For example, don’t use 1234 or the street number. Consider installing a keypad lock, which can have longer codes, or leaving the key with a property manager instead.

Consider the pros and cons of for-sale signs

While signs can help sell or rent your home, they also let squatters know a house is empty. If you’re worried about squatters, consider sticking to online listings.

And if squatters do move in? Get the police involved and turn over as much information as possible. Don’t take matters into your own hands — you could wind up with legal trouble of your own.

Hopefully, legal reforms will give homeowners across the U.S. more power to remove squatters. Until then, preventive measures remain your first and best line of defense.

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Money doesn’t have to be complicated — sign up for the free Moneywise newsletter for actionable finance tips and news you can use. Join now.

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.