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Author: Danielle Antosz

  • ‘They need to be held accountable’: Minnesota man says agency billed Medicaid thousands for housing aid he didn’t get — now the state is investigating the $248M ‘high risk’ program behind it

    “I’ve never got an hour of help."

    That’s how Steven Smith sums up his experience with Leo Human Services, the for-profit agency that — according to Medicaid billing records reviewed by KARE 11 — charged taxpayers thousands of dollars for supposedly helping him find and keep a home.

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    Smith, who’d just finished inpatient treatment for substance-use disorder, says he only received a few phone calls and never met anyone in person. Yet the company still sent a bill to Minnesota’s Medicaid program.

    Smith’s situation is part of a broader KARE 11 investigation that is shaking confidence in Minnesota’s Housing Stabilization Services (HSS) program, designed to help people with disabilities — including those with mental health issues and substance-use disorders — to find and maintain housing.

    Since its launch in July 2020, this initiative has already cost taxpayers $248 million, but investigations show it may not be reaching the vulnerable Minnesotans that it was designed to help.

    Allegations of forged signatures

    The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) — which oversees the HSS — told KARE 11 the housing and transition services are intended to help seniors and people with disabilities to get hands-on assistance with finding and maintaining housing. According to state rules, at least half of those services must be delivered in person.

    But Smith says he received only a handful of phone calls. His girlfriend, Rachel Lien, has a similar story after Leo Human Services charged Medicaid $14,000 in her name.

    "I had never heard of this company," Lien told KARE 11. “I never met with them. I never talked to them on the phone.”

    Billing data shows that Leo Human Services — run by Asad Adow out of a strip-mall office in Brooklyn Park — billed Medicaid $1.2 million in 2024.

    When KARE 11 asked Leo Human Services for Smith’s records, the paperwork included an electronic signature that Smith insists he never wrote. The signature also misspelled his name as “Steven Jr Smith.”

    “Why would I say that I’m Steven Jr Smith?” Smith asked. “My middle name is actually Steven Dwayne Smith.”

    KARE 11 investigators took a look at the metadata taken from the PDF document that Smith allegedly signed and found that Smith’s electronic signature — which was dated August 28, 2023 — was actually written the following day on August 29.

    The signature was also reportedly authored by someone who goes by the name of “Wats Hanin.” KARE 11 was unable to locate anyone by that name, and under DHS rules, providers are barred from signing documents for clients.

    When KARE 11 reporters confronted Adow in the parking lot outside his office, the latter denied any wrongdoing.

    “People say you’re not doing work, that you’re billing thousands of dollars for work that’s not being done,” said KARE 11 reporter A.J. Lagoe. “I’m doing everything correctly,” Adow insisted before climbing into his car and driving off.

    Fraud worries around HSS are hardly new. According to KARE 11, a 2024 report from the housing nonprofit Hearth Connection warned of “predatory activity to enroll individuals without their knowledge,” including recruiters waiting around emergency shelters and misrepresenting their companies’ offerings.

    In a Senate hearing in January 2025, then-DHS Commissioner Jodi Harpstead downplayed the issue, saying “there’s a lot of rumors of fraud more than there is actual fraud.” She resigned from her position just weeks later.

    Her interim successor, Shireen Gandhi, has taken a different tack: DHS now lists HSS as a “high-risk” service, subjecting providers to fingerprint checks and unannounced site visits. She confirmed 40 active fraud investigations are underway.

    “It’s clear that these critical services need more oversight,” Gandhi said in a press release.

    Read more: Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan ‘works every single time’ to kill debt, get rich in America — and that ‘anyone’ can do it

    What to do if you think you’ve been targeted

    When providers siphon off Medicaid dollars, the people HSS is meant to serve risk losing legitimate help at a time when affordable housing is scarce. It also breaks the public’s trust in legitimate services, putting other important programs at risk.

    If you think you’ve been targeted by a fraudulent housing assistance program, there are steps you can take:

    • Verify the provider: Confirm the agency is enrolled and in good standing on the DHS website.

    • Collect your records: Request detailed service logs and signatures, and remember to keep all correspondence.

    • Report suspected fraud: Call the DHS Program Integrity hotline or submit an online tip using the Program Integrity Oversight hotline form. You can also file a complaint with the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office or your county’s human services fraud unit.

    If you need assistance, seek help from verified programs. Housing navigators in your county and Continuum of Care agencies can connect you to legitimate support. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Housing Choice Voucher and Section 811 programs also offer rental assistance for people with disabilities.

    With new investigations launched and stricter screening on the horizon, state officials say they’re working hard to protect both vulnerable residents and public funds. But for people like Smith and Lien, their wish is simple: “I think they need to be held accountable."

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

  • I wanted to spare my kids the burden of student debt — but I made 1 huge mistake with their 529 plan. What I’d do differently if I could go back (and what you can learn from my missteps)

    Imagine you’re a diligent parent who, haunted by your own student debt, maxes out a 529 college savings plan for your kids every year to afford a pricey private college.

    Then life veers off script: Your kids picked more affordable in‑state schools, graduated early and even received help from a generous grandparent.

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    Two decades later, the 529 still bulges — largely from investment gains. Cashing out for non‑education expenses would trigger ordinary income tax plus a 10 % penalty on the earnings portion, according to the IRS.

    Now, you’re asking the same question many savers face: How much is too much to save for your kids’ college, and what are your options if you overshoot?

    Here’s what you need to know about 529 plans and what to do with what’s left over.

    What are 529 plans and how do they work?

    A 529 plan is a tax‑advantaged investment account specifically for education costs. Anyone can open one and name a beneficiary (like a child, grandchild or even yourself). There are typically two types of 529 accounts:

    • Savings and investment plan: You save money in a 529 investment account. Growth is tax-free if used for qualifying expenses. This is the most flexible plan, as it can be used for K-12, college and apprenticeships.
    • Prepaid tuition plan: This plan locks in today’s tuition rates, usually for in-state, public colleges, and is less flexible.

    There are several benefits of a 529 plan, including tax breaks and the ability to control investment options. You can also switch the beneficiaries of a 529 investment plan, too. For example, you can change it from yourself to your child, and then your niece or nephew, depending on how you plan to use the funds.

    However, there are also a few drawbacks. If you pull the money for non-educational expenses, you’ll pay income tax plus a 10% penalty on the earnings. There is also some market risk. If the market crashes when your kids head to college, you could end up with less cash than expected.

    And there’s a chance you won’t need all the funds. So, what happens if there is money left over? There are a few ways to use it.

    First, you can save money and pull it out during your own retirement. Your income will be lower, so you’ll pay less income taxes. You will still pay the 10% penalty, but remember, that is only on growth. Other options include:

    • A Roth IRA rollover: Under SECURE 2.0, up to $35,000 of a 529 (held at least 15 years) can migrate to the beneficiary’s Roth IRA, subject to annual IRA limits and income requirements.

    • Other qualified training: Graduate school, trade programs, student‑loan repayment (up to $10,000 per lifetime) or even qualified international study count, too.

    • Changing the beneficiary: Swap the account to cover college costs for another child in your family — a niece, nephew or even a grandchild down the line. Or, switch it to yourself and get that pottery certificate in Tuscany you’ve always dreamed of. (Just make sure it’s eligible first.)

    Read more: Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan ‘works every single time’ to kill debt, get rich in America — and that ‘anyone’ can do it

    How to make the most of 529 plans — and avoid common mistakes

    Consider using these strategies to hit the sweet spot — big enough to cover most costs, but small enough to sidestep penalties and wasted growth.

    Set a realistic target

    Estimate the cost of four years at your state university, then add a small cushion (maybe 20 %). Adjust annually as tuition data updates. If your child ends up choosing a pricier school, you can cash‑flow the gap, apply for aid or take out student loans. This will prevent over-saving and give you more flexibility to save more for retirement or finance other goals.

    Coordinate with relatives early

    Ask grandparents and other family members if they plan to pay directly or fund their own 529 plan. It can be tough to have these conversations, and people may not know yet how much — or if — they can contribute. However, starting the discussion early can help you balance savings.

    Time your contributions

    Front‑loading (saving more when your children are very young) can turbocharge growth and reduce the risk of overfunding if plans change. Revisit the goal each year and decide how much is right to contribute. By high school, for example, you might realize your child is likely to attend a trade school, so you may readjust your contributions.

    Limit risk as you get closer to graduation

    Consider reshuffling the portfolio during each year of high school to mitigate risk. That locks in gains and shields you from a late‑cycle crash. Much like moving to reduce risk as you get closer to retirement, this helps protect your funds before you need them.

    Know your escape plan

    Even with careful planning, you could end up oversaving. Make sure you have a plan now for where the funds will go. Leftover funds can be rolled to another relative, converted to an IRA for your kids, pay for your own training or used to bolster your retirement savings.

    Aim for moderation when funding a 529; save enough to cover a solid in‑state education, keep other savings on track and stay flexible. That way, you won’t end up with a tax headache when those Ivy League dreams turn into a state school reality.

    What to read next

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

  • ‘Those folks that were involved… will be held accountable:’ A scammer stole $800K from a Florida school board by faking a vendor email. Here’s how to avoid the same trap

    ‘Those folks that were involved… will be held accountable:’ A scammer stole $800K from a Florida school board by faking a vendor email. Here’s how to avoid the same trap

    A scammer pretending to be a construction vendor tricked the Citrus County School Board in Inverness, Florida, into sending more than $800,000 to the wrong bank account. The fraud wasn’t discovered until the real vendor called to say they hadn’t received their payment.

    According to the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office, $846,864.86 was intended for a trusted vendor who was working on a construction project for the school district. However, the money was wired to a fraudster’s account after they sent a fake—but convincing—email that resembled the vendor’s usual messages.

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    “This was an email from someone pretending to be the vendor that looked exactly like what the vendor would’ve sent,” said Dr. Scott Hebert, Superintendent of Schools, in an interview with WFLA.

    How the scam worked

    According to the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office, the fraudster copied the vendor’s email address and made it look nearly identical to the real one. They also included a fake bank account number for payment. The scam worked because the email was so well-crafted that it didn’t raise immediate red flags.

    “A malicious actor will come in and change one or two characteristics of a URL address or an email link—something that doesn’t totally appear correct,” said Detective Cutlip with the CCSO High-Tech Crimes Unit. “At first glance, if you’re having correspondence, you wouldn’t pick up all those changes.”

    Once school officials realized what had happened, they immediately contacted law enforcement. The sheriff’s office worked with the U.S. Secret Service to track the money, which had already been split between two bank accounts outside of Florida.

    Thanks to that quick response, investigators were able to freeze and recover about 92% of the funds—roughly $779,600. More than $67,000 was still missing, and the investigation remains ongoing.

    In the wake of the scam, the Citrus County School District is implementing new safety measures. Dr. Hebert said all district employees are getting extra cybersecurity training, and new protocols are being developed to help staff detect and respond to cyber threats in the future.

    “Disciplinary action will occur,” Hebert told WFLA. “Those folks that were involved… will be held accountable for not following any of the procedures that we had in place.”

    Depending on the findings of an internal investigation, that discipline could range from further training to suspension or termination.

    Read more: Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan ‘works every single time’ to kill debt, get rich in America — and that ‘anyone’ can do it

    How to protect yourself or your business from phishing scams

    This type of scam, often called business email compromise or phishing, is becoming increasingly common. To avoid falling victim to these scams, here are a few steps you can take:

    Double-check email addresses

    Scammers often change just one character in an email to make it look real. For example, "gadams[at]adamsconstruction.com" might become "gadams[at]adamsconstructi0n.com."

    Verify payment information before you hit ‘send’

    If a vendor emails new bank details or says their payment info has changed, call them using a known phone number—not one listed in the email—to confirm.

    Be cautious about any last-minute changes

    If someone suddenly requests changes to a scheduled payment, closing date, or account number, take extra steps to verify that the changes are legitimate. It’s always better to take a few extra minutes to verify then to fall victim to a scam.

    Train your team

    Make sure everyone who handles money or emails with vendors knows what phishing scams look like and how to report them. This includes following the steps listed here and knowing not to click on links or download files from unknown sources.

    Contact law enforcement immediately if you suspect fraud

    One reason the school board was able to get most of the money back was because they reported the scam right away. The sooner you act, the better your chances of recovering lost funds.

    As this case shows, even experienced professionals can fall for a scam when the attack is sophisticated. But by staying alert and putting clear procedures in place, businesses and individuals can better protect themselves from financial fraud.

    What to read next

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

  • ‘It’s just such a nuisance’: LA residents say ghost kitchen delivery drivers are clogging their streets, loitering and speeding on sidewalks — now they’re demanding city action

    ‘It’s just such a nuisance’: LA residents say ghost kitchen delivery drivers are clogging their streets, loitering and speeding on sidewalks — now they’re demanding city action

    Residents of Echo Park, a Los Angeles neighborhood, say their streets have been overrun with delivery drivers since the opening of a ghost kitchen in the fall of 2023.

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    The Los Angeles Times recently spoke with disgruntled residents like Sandy Romero, who said, “The first day that they opened business it was chaotic, unorganized and it’s just such a nuisance now.”

    The business is Echo Park Eats, a meal preparation hub for app-based delivery orders. It has contracts with 26 different food vendors and calls itself “a restaurant co-op that’s modernizing the traditional food hall experience.” There’s no seating and customers only have the option of takeout or delivery from the restaurants. The company that owns it is CloudKitchens, which is led by Travis Kalanick, co-founder and former CEO of Uber Technologies.

    According to the report, the neighborhood has been swamped with delivery drivers while they wait to pick up orders.

    Ghost kitchens are commercial kitchens built to cater to delivery apps. By operating in areas with a lot of delivery demand, they help ensure faster and fresher deliveries. But, as this neighborhood has discovered, they can also result in traffic and congestion.

    How is this impacting the neighborhood?

    Residents report their streets are now clogged with drivers who take up parking spaces, idle in red zones, double park, speed on sidewalks on mopeds, argue loudly and play loud music.

    Resident J.C. Arias, who lives across the street from the ghost kitchen, told the L.A. Times that last summer, delivery drivers would gather in front of his home, bringing their own chairs to sit under the shade of a tree and leaving behind trash. Frustrated, he eventually cut off the branches providing shade. The drivers moved on to another shaded spot down the street. Arias also believes the business has brought more crime to the area.

    Erika Torres, who’s lived in the neighborhood for more than 30 years, told the newspaper the ghost kitchen "does not belong in a residential area, especially not on a residential street.” She complained about the smell of cooked foods permeating her home.

    Small steps have been taken to fix the issues, including instituting permitted parking and more parking enforcement officers. A neighbor said one officer was assaulted while trying to enforce the law in February.

    Colin Sweeney, spokesperson for the Los Angeles Department of Transportation, confirmed the LAPD is investigating an “alleged attack on a traffic officer during the course of his duties on February 8,” but declined to offer more details to the L.A. Times.

    Echo Park Eats limited parking in its lot to five minutes, but neighbors said that only pushed drivers to idle on the streets or park mopeds on sidewalks.

    One of the main challenges is that Echo Park Eats is classified as a catering business, allowing it to operate in a residential area, even though it functions more like a distribution hub.

    Read more: Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan ‘works every single time’ to kill debt, get rich in America — and that ‘anyone’ can do it

    Councilmember Hugo Soto-Martínez, whose district includes the neighborhood, plans to present two possible fixes to the City Council. One is changing the land-use rule for ghost kitchens. But that change would only apply to future facilities. The other option is implementing a geofence that would prevent delivery drivers from waiting within 1,000 feet of the kitchen.

    “The theory behind this is that the traffic will sort of disperse or it’ll be a little more disaggregated because, right now, they’re literally hanging out feet from the [facility],” Soto-Martinez said to the L.A. Times.

    But neighbors worry the geofence would just shift the problem elsewhere. “We feel bad because we don’t want to do that to anybody else,” said a resident to the newspaper.

    What other options do residents have?

    Echo Park residents have few tools at their disposal. They can call the city to report illegal parking and push for more patrolling. However, concerns like loitering, noise, traffic, or the overwhelming smell of food are harder to address.

    Some neighbors are on an active email thread along with Soto-Martinez’s district staff and other city staff, discussing safety issues and solutions.

    If you’re facing similar issues in your neighborhood, start by contacting your city council representative or local department of transportation to report traffic or parking violations. Document concerns with photos or videos, as this will help you as you push for action.

    Consider organizing a petition with your neighbors or requesting a public meeting to advocate for zoning reviews or enforcement. Collective action can help bring attention to the problem and find solutions.

    What to read next

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

  • ‘People are fed up’: Michigan residents demand state utility provider stop raising rates as hike request to raise bills by $13/month heads for review — the 4th major increase in 5 years

    Residents who recently attended a Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) meeting have one unified message for DTE Energy: enough with the rate hikes.

    "People are fed up," Donavan McKinney, a Michigan state representative, shared with WXYZ Detroit. “They cannot afford more rate increases. People are struggling as is.”

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    Residents have expressed frustration over years of electricity rate hikes and are pushing back on DTE’s newest request: a 2026 rate increase that’s expected to produce $574 million in revenue.

    If approved, the rate increase would be the fourth major hike in five years. The Detroit Free Press estimates the rake hike would increase consumer bills by $13.50 per month.

    Residents denounce never-ending rate increases

    At the meeting, community members voiced their frustration directly to the MPSC, questioning why rates continue to rise year after year while DTE Energy’s executives receive large salaries and bonuses.

    “If you’re saying you need the increase for infrastructure and systems, why are your board members taking home so much profit annually?” one resident asked.

    The most recent increase took effect in January 2025, generating $217 million in additional revenue for DTE. Residents say it’s just the latest in a decade-long pattern of steady increases.

    Commission representatives explained that part of their job is to determine what constitutes a "reasonable profit" for utility shareholders. The current authorized return on equity for DTE stands at 9.9%, while the total return ranges from 5% to 6%.

    When WXYZ reporter Meghan Daniels asked whether those numbers could be reduced in light of the financial strain on families, a commission spokesperson said DTE is trying to balance consumer impact with the utility company’s needs.

    "The requirement we have under court precedent is we need to balance the interest of customers with the interest of the utility being able to access the capital that they need to reinvest in their business," the representative said.

    Still, many residents weren’t satisfied.

    "These rate increases are really choking our people," Roslyn Ogburn, a partnership coordinator for the Michigan League of Conservation Voters, shared with the Detroit Free Press. "We’re telling the Michigan Public Service Commission to stop the rate increase and come up with better solutions. Do not put another burden on the back of the people."

    DTE has defended its performance in a statement published by WXYZ Detroit. The company claims that strategic grid investments led to a 70% improvement in power reliability from 2023 to 2024. The company also says it’s working to provide “cleaner and more reliable energy” while keeping bills below the national average.

    Read more: Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan ‘works every single time’ to kill debt, get rich in America — and that ‘anyone’ can do it

    What options do residents have?

    For many in the Detroit area, DTE is the default — and often only — electricity utility provider. Michigan operates under a regulated monopoly model, meaning most residents have limited or no ability to switch providers for standard electricity service. While the state does have an Electric Customer Choice program, it’s capped and currently unavailable to most residential customers due to capacity limits.

    That leaves residents with two broad paths: managing rising energy costs or pushing for change. If you find yourself in a similar situation and switching providers in not an option, here are some ways to manage rising energy costs:

    • Reduce usage where possible: Switch to LED light bulbs, seal your windows and doors, and unplug unused electronics. It also helps to reduce your AC and heating usage when possible.
    • Invest in efficient renewable energy: While the upfront cost can be high, solar panels, smart thermostats and efficient appliances can help lower long-term energy costs. Check for rebates or local assistance programs.
    • Restructure your budget: If your energy bill has become a larger monthly expense, rebalancing your budget might be necessary. Look for ways to cut unnecessary spending.
    • Apply for assistance: DTE offers payment assistance and flexible plans for qualifying customers. If you live in Michigan, you can apply for help through programs like the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program or the Michigan Energy Assistance Program.
    • Make your voice heard: Michigan residents can file formal complaints through the MPSC, but Americans living in another state can attend public meetings or contact their state representatives.

    Whether change comes through new regulation, public pressure or alternative energy investments, many Michiganders say the current path is unsustainable.

    "[Residents] cannot take another rate increase," said McKinney. “It will literally bankrupt a lot of these families. They’re already playing catch-up.”

    What to read next

    Like what you read? Join 200,000+ readers and get the best of Moneywise straight to your inbox every week. Subscribe for free.

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

  • ‘She’s dangerous’: Judge bans San Diego woman from her former home after 2 suspicious fires and $200K insurance payout vanishes — neighbors say hoarding, threats and chaos went on for years

    ‘She’s dangerous’: Judge bans San Diego woman from her former home after 2 suspicious fires and $200K insurance payout vanishes — neighbors say hoarding, threats and chaos went on for years

    A San Diego judge has ordered Lisa Golden to stay at least 100 yards away from her Ocean View Hills home after two suspicious fires and the disappearance of a $200,000 insurance payout reports CBS 8 San Diego.

    Neighbors say the home on Mariner Drive has been a source of stress and fear for years due to hoarding, harassment and repeated court violations. Golden, who previously lived at the residence, is now legally barred from the property amid allegations she continues to trespass despite previous stay-away orders.

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    Residents told reporters that Golden screamed at children, threatened news crews and let the property fall into dangerous disrepair. After she failed to comply with multiple court-issued cleanup orders, the court appointed a receiver to take control of the property and prepare it for sale.

    Years of issues and refusal to clean up

    In California, a court cleanup order can be issued when a property becomes a public nuisance due to severe neglect, code violations or hoarding. If a homeowner fails to comply with city cleanup notices, the court can assign a receiver — an independent third party authorized to take control of the property, perform repairs and, in some cases, sell it to recover costs.

    But the receiver’s cleanup efforts at the Mariner Drive home didn’t go smoothly. CBS 8 reported that fires broke out on the exact days crews were scheduled to remove debris. Police have not named a suspect in either blaze, but neighbors claim to have seen Golden at the property around the time of the fires, in defiance of court orders.

    "She had promised that if anyone were to take that house away from her, she would burn it down,” neighbor Eddie Mead told reporters after the second fire. “Thus, I believe it’s her. She’s dangerous. I just call her a violent criminal.”

    During a court hearing, Deputy City Attorney David Miller told the judge that $200,000 in insurance money from the first fire has vanished. The payout was issued to Golden’s ex-boyfriend, Jeffrey Rogers, who is on the mortgage. Authorities have not confirmed what happened to the funds or whether Golden had access to them.

    After the second fire, the judge approved slashing the sale price of the home by $92,000, bringing it to about $500,000 — about half of what similar properties in the area sell for. To secure the residence, CBS 8 reports that officials have installed metal panels over all doors and windows and posted 24-hour security on site.

    Golden, who appeared virtually at the hearing, argued that she still needed access to retrieve her belongings.

    “We are trying to do this the right way, and the receiver is completely thwarting every effort for me to get clothing that I need and my personal supplies,” she told the judge.

    The court ruled that Golden must work through her attorney and a third party to arrange the retrieval of her items, but she herself must maintain the 100-yard distance.

    Read more: Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan ‘works every single time’ to kill debt, get rich in America — and that ‘anyone’ can do it

    Plagued by problem neighbors? Here’s what you can do

    Lisa Golden’s case is extreme, but not unique. Neighbors in Ocean View Hills told reporters that they felt unsafe and unheard for years before officials stepped in. If you’re dealing with a similar situation, here are steps you can take:

    • Document everything. Keep a record of incidents, including dates, photos, and witness statements. If you don’t currently have security cameras, consider installing them.

    • Report code violations. In California, you can file complaints with your local code enforcement office for issues like hoarding, pest infestations and unsafe structures.

    • Contact police for harassment. If a neighbor is threatening or harassing you, file a report. Repeated incidents may qualify for a restraining order.

    • Work with your homeowners association (HOA) or city official. Organized pressure from a neighborhood group can push officials to act more quickly.

    • Petition the court. As seen in this case, city attorneys and residents may petition the court to appoint a receiver when all else fails.

    Golden’s next court hearing is scheduled for June 13, reports CBS 8. Until then, neighbors hope the judge’s latest order brings some peace.

    What to read next

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

  • Maryland homeowner fighting to reclaim his property after a family of squatters moved in using fake Instagram scam — but they’re demanding $5K to leave. What’s behind this troubling trend

    Maryland homeowner fighting to reclaim his property after a family of squatters moved in using fake Instagram scam — but they’re demanding $5K to leave. What’s behind this troubling trend

    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.

    Read more: Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan ‘works every single time’ to kill debt, get rich in America — and that ‘anyone’ can do it

    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.

  • Florida homeowners are being denied hurricane insurance because of sky-high deductibles — 1 man says deductible was $7,200 on damage of just $4,500. Should you really go high to save costs?

    Florida homeowners are being denied hurricane insurance because of sky-high deductibles — 1 man says deductible was $7,200 on damage of just $4,500. Should you really go high to save costs?

    As dozens of home insurance companies flee Florida, even homeowners with coverage feel abandoned.

    Chad Zalva, a single dad in Riverview, Florida, has coverage but recently discovered that the damage to his home from Hurricane Milton won’t be covered.

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    His insurance company estimated the damage at around $2,500. However, a contractor quoted him $4,500 to repair. Either way, he doesn’t have the cash to cover the repairs, which include damage to a screen door, soffit and a downed fence.

    "Do you have that kind of money laying around?" asked ABC Action News anchor Nadeen Yanes.

    "No, not at all," Zalva laughed.

    Why won’t the insurance company pay?

    After rebuilding his life following a divorce, Zalva intentionally chose the lowest-cost home insurance plan due to its affordability. What he didn’t realize was that a lower premium came with a sky-high deductible.

    "I did go for the lower amount," he said. "Unfortunately, my deductible is outrageous. I was like, ‘This is insanity.’"

    His home insurance deductible — the amount he must pay before coverage kicks in — is $7,200. As a result, his insurance company denied his claim after Hurricane Milton. And Zalva is not alone. A growing number of Florida homeowners are facing a similar situation: Their insurance company won’t pay because their storm-related damages don’t exceed their deductibles.

    According to the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation, nearly half of all Hurricane Milton claims were closed without payment. The biggest reason? More than 40% of those cases had damages that fell below the homeowner’s deductible.

    Many Floridians face an uncomfortable trade-off: Higher deductibles mean lower premiums, but in the event of a storm, they risk massive out-of-pocket costs before insurance kicks in. Michael Peltier, a spokesperson for Citizens Property Insurance, Florida’s state-backed insurer, explained the problem to ABC Action News.

    “Typically, hurricane deductibles run 2%, 5%, or even 10% of a home’s insured value,” he said.

    That means a homeowner with a $300,000 home and a 10% deductible would have to pay $30,000 before receiving any payout. Florida’s State Insurance Commissioner, Mike Yaworsky, says these deductibles are required by law.

    "The statute actually mandates that there be a hurricane deductible of some kind — 2%, 5%, 10% — on every single policy. And so that’s baked through the entire system," Yaworsky told ABC Action News.

    Yaworsky added that while the law could be changed, for now, it’s up to consumers to understand the trade-offs between deductibles and premiums.

    Read more: Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan ‘works every single time’ to kill debt, get rich in America — and that ‘anyone’ can do it

    Should you pick a higher deductible to save money?

    Florida homeowners face a tough decision when choosing an insurance plan. Opting for a higher deductible lowers monthly premiums but could leave you struggling to afford repairs after a disaster. On the flip side, lower deductibles mean higher premiums, which may not be affordable for some homeowners.

    Pros of a higher deductible:

    • Lower monthly costs: With rising Insurance rates, finding an affordable policy is essential.
    • Potential long-term savings: If you’re handy or rarely file claims, a high deductible could save you money in the long run.

    Cons of a higher deductible:

    • Large out-of-pocket expenses: You’ll pay significantly more before insurance kicks in.
    • May not be worth claiming moderate damage: If the damage is minor, you may end up footing the bill yourself.

    For many homeowners, a higher deductible is either a financial strategy or the only option. To avoid being caught off guard, start reviewing your insurance policy. Know your deductible amount in an emergency fund, start saving and decide if it makes sense for your financial situation.

    Then, make sure you have enough savings to cover your deductible. If you don’t already have that amount in an emergency fund, start saving — even saving just $10 a month can add up over time.

    Zalva’s experience highlights the risk of prioritizing low premiums over affordability in a crisis.

    "They’re just making straight profit. It’s definitely frustrating, and they need to do something about it,” he told ABC Action News.

    As Florida lawmakers and insurers debate possible reforms, thousands of residents like Zalva wonder: Is their homeowners insurance protecting them when they need it most?

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

  • ‘We’re ready for a fight’: Texas family demands answers after developer bulldozed their childhood home to build a duplex on their land — and one lawyer says this happens more than you’d think

    A Central Texas family is devastated and angry after their grandmother’s home was demolished without their consent, reports KVUE.

    In March 2024, Robert Alexander stopped by the family property at 118 Kimble Lane in East Austin. But the house he expected to see, where he and his brothers were raised, had been bulldozed to the ground. All that remained were broken boards and lost memories.

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    “Everything was still inside — all of our family heirlooms. Everything was destroyed,” Robert’s brother, Kelly Alexander, told reporters.

    What’s worse, the demolition happened shortly after their brother Charles, who had been living in the home, moved out due to repeated calls and letters warning of tax issues. Months later, the Alexanders discovered a new duplex foundation had been poured on the land that they own.

    Developer claims property was ‘foreclosed’ on

    While different members of the Alexander family have lived in the house for decades, the family as a whole fell behind on property taxes.

    "I kept getting letters and things like that — phone calls saying that we were behind on taxes and we had to leave, so that’s why my brother [Charles] left. And immediately after, that house was torn down," said Kelly Alexander.

    But how could a developer build on the land without the Alexanders’ consent?

    KVUE Defenders launched an investigation to get to the bottom of the situation. Public records show that the home at 118 Kimble Lane still lists Julia Alexander — the family matriarch who passed in 1979 — and her son Charles, who lived there until 2024, as the owners.

    Precise Custom Homes, the development company that built the duplex, owns the lot next door, which has no listed street number. Despite that, online listings and city permits show the new duplex at 120 Kimble Lane, with demolition permits issued in February 2024, just weeks before Robert’s visit.

    According to Julia Null, a real estate attorney, the new duplex straddles two lots: Lot 9, which the developer legally purchased, and Lot 8, which still belongs to the Alexander family. In other words, it appears the developer demolished the family’s home on Lot 8 and built across both lots, even though only one was legally theirs.

    When KVUE reached out to Danny Olivarez, the president of Precise Custom Homes, he refused to comment, calling the family “complainers” who were “trying to get something for free.”

    He later claimed that Lot 8 had been “foreclosed” on in the 1970s, but a KVUE check with the Travis County Tax Office found no foreclosure on record, though it did show roughly $15,000 in back taxes owed. A spokesperson from the county tax office said there was no record of any foreclosure or attempts at foreclosure.

    When asked for paperwork on the foreclosure, Olivarez simply told reporters, "no." Meanwhile, a renter who now lives in the duplex that was built on the Alexanders’ property claims he had no idea about the land’s history.

    "But to hear that, you know, all this is happening, is very unfortunate,” said Joshua Labauve.

    Read more: Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan ‘works every single time’ to kill debt, get rich in America — and that ‘anyone’ can do it

    The Alexanders won’t back down without a fight

    Null, who reviewed the case with KVUE, confirmed that Lot 8 is still listed as part of Julia Alexander’s estate.

    “It appears that a developer bought Lot 9 and then, unfortunately, forced the family out for Lot 8, took down their home, bulldozed it and then moved into it and actually built on it,” she said.

    The deed the developer purchased even states explicitly that the land butts up to Julia Alexander’s land, indicating that the developer should have known it doesn’t own the adjoining property.

    While property laws vary, heirs like the Alexanders retain legal rights to inherited property, even if it’s been decades since the original owner passed. Leaving a home unoccupied or owing back taxes doesn’t give another party the right to take the property. Only a formal foreclosure process can do that, and no such action appears to have occurred here.

    Meanwhile, the family says they’re not letting this go.

    “Oh, it makes us angry. It makes us very angry,” said Kelly Alexander. “We’re ready for a fight.”

    Null noted that this kind of unauthorized development happens more often than people realize, and often goes uncontested because families aren’t aware of their rights. The Alexanders are now considering filing a lawsuit against Precise Custom Homes for taking their property and destroying their family home.

    To prevent situations like this from happening to you and your family, there are a few steps you can take: keep property titles current, pay taxes or set up payment plans, and ensure heirs file probate documents or other legal claims of ownership.

    The Alexanders, meanwhile, are preparing legal action, and their story should serve as a warning to families with inherited property at risk of being overlooked or overtaken.

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

  • Texas woman suing after $83M lottery winnings put ‘on hold’ because she used a ticket app — 2 years after a global gambling group (legally) bought nearly every Lotto Texas ticket to win $95M

    Texas woman suing after $83M lottery winnings put ‘on hold’ because she used a ticket app — 2 years after a global gambling group (legally) bought nearly every Lotto Texas ticket to win $95M

    A group of international gamblers legally purchased nearly every number combination in a Texas state lottery drawing — a scheme designed to guarantee a win. It worked — and it may be why another woman is now suing the Texas Lottery Commission after being denied her own $83.5 million prize.

    “I’m being treated as the bad guy,” the anonymous winner said in April, before filing the lawsuit.

    The group’s $95 million win, which the New York Post described as “something out of a heist movie,” was spearheaded by London-based trader Bernard Marantelli and bankrolled by Zeljko Ranogajec, an Australian professional gambler known as “the Joker.”

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    Together, they exploited a simple math trick: when the jackpot is large enough, you can make a profit by buying almost every possible ticket. According to the Wall Street Journal, the group teamed up with Lottery.com and used warehouses packed with printing terminals to produce 99.3% of those combinations in just three days.

    The team won a lump-sum prize of $57.8 million, but lottery officials are closing loopholes so that they may keep other winners from collecting.

    International scheme could cost another winner their jackpot

    Buying every ticket wasn’t illegal under Texas Lottery Commission (TLC) rules at the time. As the Post reports, “nothing in the Texas state lottery code says a person can’t buy every number combination.”

    Winners are also allowed to remain anonymous, so the group initially claimed their prize through a local company called Rook TX. But the victory didn’t stay quiet for long.

    When the aforementioned Texas woman won an $83.5 million jackpot this past February, after buying her ticket through the Jackpocket app, she was told she couldn’t collect her winnings. State officials are now cracking down on anything that falls outside of tightly controlled, in-person lottery purchases — especially when foreign actors are involved or the ticket-buying process becomes hard to regulate.

    “Sometimes there are reasons to investigate things, but I don’t think mine is one of them.” the winner told Nexstar in April, speaking on condition of anonymity.

    Dawn Nettles, a longtime lottery watchdog, disagrees.

    “It doesn’t matter that the courier apps weren’t officially banned in Texas when she bought her ticket, because she purchased it over the internet and paid an added fee — and those things are against the law,” she told the Post in April.

    Even so, Nettles admits that others have gotten away with similar purchases in the past. She is now part of a class action lawsuit targeting the original $95 million payout to Rook TX and says that it should never have been allowed.

    Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has called the team’s win “the biggest theft from the people of Texas in the history of Texas,” reports the Post. Others have raised concerns that international groups are siphoning off winnings that should benefit Texas residents.

    “If you win $50 million in the lottery, you are probably going to buy a new car, new home, buy things for friends — all that is going to assist [the state’s] economy. But not if the money is leaving the state,” said Nettles.

    The TLC formally banned lottery courier services in February 2025. In a press release, the commission said it would revoke the licenses of any retailer working with such services. The new policy became effective immediately and is expected to be written into official rules.

    In a recent statement to KVUB ABC News, lawyers respsenting the woman now suing the TLC said, "When you win, the Lottery should pay you – not stall, not waffle, not haw, not try and change the rules and not try to back out of the deal."

    In a request for comment on the lawsuit, the TLC told KVUB that it does not comment on pending litigation.

    Read more: Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan ‘works every single time’ to kill debt, get rich in America — and that ‘anyone’ can do it

    How to play the lottery legally

    If you’re trying your luck with the lottery, make sure you follow Texas law to avoid trouble, especially now that enforcement is tightening. Here are a few guidelines:

    • Buy in person. Texas law prohibits the sale of lottery tickets by mail, phone or internet. You must buy tickets from a licensed retailer within the state.
    • Avoid courier apps. As of February 2025, services like Jackpocket are no longer permitted in Texas. Even if they’re still operating, your ticket may not be valid.
    • Read the rules. Each state has different regulations. Before purchasing a ticket, check with your state’s lottery commission for the latest guidelines.
    • Keep your receipt. Whether claiming a prize or disputing a decision, having proof of your purchase can help your case.

    With rule changes underway, lottery players should take care to avoid any missteps. That means you’ll need to play the lottery in both the letter and the spirit of the law.

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