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Author: Danielle Antosz

  • ‘They’re no-good, scum people’: Ohio man says he lost $27K after scammer came to his front door to ‘help’ with fake Apple ID hack — with other potential victims out there, here’s his warning

    ‘They’re no-good, scum people’: Ohio man says he lost $27K after scammer came to his front door to ‘help’ with fake Apple ID hack — with other potential victims out there, here’s his warning

    Robert Wise of Licking County, Ohio, is speaking out after allegedly being scammed out of $27,000 — and he’s not holding back.

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    Wise, 67, shared his story with WBNS 10TV in May to help others avoid being fooled by “no-good, scum people.”

    “I want that big buy nailed and I don’t care who you are. You try again, pal,” he said, pointing at the camera. “It was not legit, it was a scam … Do not answer any text message or phone number that you do not recognize. You do not answer it. You do not respond to it.”

    What makes Wise’s case especially alarming is that he says the accused didn’t just text or call him, he came right to his front door to pick up the cash.

    Here’s what happened.

    A sting operation and arrest

    Wise says on May 9 he received a text that looked like a fraud alert from Apple. It read: "Apple pay alert. Your Apple ID was recently used at ‘APPLE STORE’ for 213.33 USD paid by Apple Pay. If it’s not you call 1 805 236 9601, to cancel the charge."

    He called the number and spoke to a man who said his name was “John Cooper” and that the charges on Wise’s Apple ID totaled $27,000.

    “He said I had to go and withdraw $27,000 from my bank account immediately or it was going to be drained,” said Wise. After Wise failed to deposit the funds into a Bitcoin machine, "Cooper" said he would send someone to Wise’s house to collect the money in person.

    After the funds were handed over, Wise called the sheriff’s office. He was instructed to stay in contact with "Cooper" so that he could be caught.

    Detectives launched a sting operation and arrested 42-year-old Liwei Zhang, who showed up again at Wise’s house to collect more money. Zhang has since been indicted on theft, identity fraud and telecommunications fraud charges, reports WBNS 10TV.

    The sheriff’s office told the news network this is the second case this year of scammers showing up in person to collect money. “It’s getting a little more dangerous,” said Col. Chris Barbuto. “We’re not just online anymore — we are face-to-face.”

    According to the report, Zhang told authorities he was living in the U.S. on a business visa. He also claimed he was just a middleman and had been involved in other scams.

    “Based on his bank records, which we have frozen, there are likely other victims out there — we just haven’t identified them yet,” said Licking County Prosecutor Jenny Wells to the news station.

    Read more: You don’t have to be a millionaire to gain access to this $1B private real estate fund. In fact, you can get started with as little as $10 — here’s how

    How to protect yourself from fake text scams

    Scams like this often start with a text that looks like it’s from an organization you may expect to hear from, like Apple, Amazon, your bank, or even the IRS. The message may warn of suspicious account activity or an urgent charge and then tell you to call a number or click a link to fix the issue.

    From there, scammers pressure you to send money through untraceable methods like Bitcoin, gift cards, wire transfers, or, increasingly, in person.

    Red flags to watch out for include:

    • Urgent language or threats (“Act now or your account will be closed.”)
    • Requests for payments in untraceable methods like cash, crypto, or gift cards
    • Calls or texts from numbers you don’t recognize
    • Messages with grammatical errors or awkward formatting

    If you do receive a suspicious text, here’s what you should do:

    • Don’t respond: If you get a suspicious message, don’t call the number or click any links.
    • Verify independently: If the message claims to be from your bank, Apple, or another company, contact them directly using the official website or phone number, not the one in the message.
    • Never give remote access: No legitimate company will ask to take control of your device or request login credentials.
    • Never pay strangers: Real companies and government agencies will never ask for payment in Bitcoin or cash pickups at your house.
    • Report the message: Forward spam texts to 7726 (SPAM), report it on the messaging app you use, and file a report with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and your local law enforcement agency.

    If you think you’ve been scammed, call your bank immediately to flag any suspicious activity. Then, file a police report and a fraud report with the FTC.

    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.

  • I’m 24, debt-free, and earning my first steady salary. My dream is to own a house — but I’ve heard I should max out an IRA before building up a down payment. Which path do I choose?

    I’m 24, debt-free, and earning my first steady salary. My dream is to own a house — but I’ve heard I should max out an IRA before building up a down payment. Which path do I choose?

    Suppose you’re 24 and earning a steady salary for the first time in your life.

    Your goal is clear: save $10,000 per year and eventually buy a house. But like many in their 20s, you’re unsure whether you should prioritize retirement savings or homeownership.

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    Max out my IRA now or put all my savings toward buying a home? It’s a question increasingly common among young adults navigating early financial decisions.

    It’s not a stupid question at all. In fact, it’s a smart one — and there’s no one-size-fits-all answer.

    Here’s a closer look at the tradeoffs of investing in retirement early versus saving aggressively for a home.

    Pros and cons of maxing your IRA

    Opening and contributing to an IRA in your early 20s is one of the most powerful moves you can make for your long-term financial security. Thanks to the magic of compound growth, even small contributions made early can grow into significant savings by retirement.

    Upsides of maxing your IRA

    • Early growth = less pressure later. A dollar saved in your 20s has decades to grow. For example, if you invest $6,000 at age 24 and earn an average annual return of 7%, that single contribution could grow to nearly $45,000 by the time you’re 65.

    • Tax benefits. Depending on the type of IRA you choose, you could see tax advantages now (traditional IRA) or in retirement (Roth IRA).

    • Flexibility with Roth IRAs. If you choose a Roth IRA, you can withdraw your contributions (not your earnings) at any time without taxes or penalties. That gives you some wiggle room if you later decide to use the money for a down payment.

    That said, using an IRA as a piggy bank for home savings isn’t ideal — and comes with major risks.

    Read more: You don’t have to be a millionaire to gain access to this $1B private real estate fund. In fact, you can get started with as little as $10 — here’s how

    Downsides of maxing your IRA

    • Market volatility. Unlike a high-yield savings account, your IRA is invested in the market. If you plan to buy a home in the next few years, a market decline could drop your savings just when you need them. Remember, with investments, you don’t truly "lose" money until you withdraw.

    • Retirement money should stay retirement money. Even if you technically can pull Roth contributions early, you shouldn’t unless you absolutely have to — if, say, you’re facing eviction or medical emergencies. The earlier you raid retirement accounts, the harder it is to rebuild your savings.

    • Complex withdrawal rules. While the IRS does allow you to withdraw up to $10,000 from an IRA for a first-time home purchase without penalty, it only applies under certain conditions and may still involve taxes.

    The takeaway? An IRA is a powerful tool for long-term financial growth but it’s not a substitute for a short-term house fund. Use it to set up your future, not to float your present.

    Other factors to consider

    Before deciding whether to max out your IRA or focus on a home down payment, it’s important to look at the full financial picture. Buying a house matters but so does your financial foundation.

    • 1. Do you have an emergency fund? If you don’t have at least three months of expenses saved, hitting pause on both home and retirement savings might be smart. An emergency fund protects you from dipping into retirement accounts or taking on debt when life throws you a curveball.

    • 2. What’s your timeline for buying a home? If your goal is to buy a house in the next three years, your savings strategy should be conservative. A high-yield savings account or short-term CD may be better than investing the money, since it avoids market risk. But if homeownership is five or more years away, splitting your savings between a Roth IRA and a house fund could make sense.

    • 3. Are you carrying high-interest debt? Paying down credit cards or other high-interest loans can offer a guaranteed return — often more than you’d earn investing. It also improves your credit score, which can impact the mortgage rate you’ll pay when you do buy a home.

    • 4. Are you taking advantage of employer retirement plans? If your job offers a 401(k) match, prioritize that before the IRA. It’s essentially free money your employer is contributing to your retirement. After that, any leftover savings can be divided based on your goals.

    • 5. Why is buying a home important to you? Buying a home is a major milestone, but it’s not the only one. Saving for retirement in your 20s means you won’t have to play catch-up later. On the flip side, if owning a home will provide stability, reduce rent costs, or serve as a stepping stone toward building equity, it may be worth focusing on.

    Ultimately, there’s no perfect answer. But if you’re asking these questions now, that’s not a sign you’re on the right track.

    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.

  • ‘A thief and a liar’: Lawyer Tom Girardi sentenced to 7 years for stealing more than $25M from the victims he represented to fund the career of his estranged Real Housewives star wife

    ‘A thief and a liar’: Lawyer Tom Girardi sentenced to 7 years for stealing more than $25M from the victims he represented to fund the career of his estranged Real Housewives star wife

    Disbarred attorney Tom Girardi, 86, was sentenced to seven years and three months in prison for embezzling millions from former clients, according to NBC News.

    The former husband of the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills and a high-profile lawyer was once celebrated for his role in the landmark 1993 lawsuit against Pacific Gas and Electric Co.—the case that inspired the Oscar-winning film Erin Brockovich, starring Julia Roberts.

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    "This self-proclaimed ‘champion of justice’ was nothing more than a thief and a liar who conned his vulnerable clients out of millions of dollars," said U.S. Attorney Bilal Essayli.

    In addition to prison time, Girardi was ordered to pay $2.3 million in restitution and a $35,000 fine. His lawyers argued he was mentally unfit to stand trial due to Alzheimer’s disease, but a federal court ruled he was competent.

    How his victims were impacted

    Girardi was convicted of four counts of wire fraud in August 2024. Prosecutors said he stole tens of millions of dollars in settlement funds from clients over a decade. Victims included people who suffered severe burns, widows of accident victims and families of those killed in high-profile disasters, like the 2018 Lion Air crash that killed 198 people.

    He often misled clients, telling them their settlement money was delayed due to tax issues, debt obligations or the need for a judge’s approval.

    "Girardi sent lulling communications to the defrauded clients that, among other things, falsely denied that the settlement proceeds had been paid and falsely claimed that Girardi Keese [lawfirm] could not pay the settlement proceeds to clients until certain purported requirements had been met," said the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California in a news release.

    According to Business Insider, one client was awarded $53 million in a settlement after a 2010 natural gas pipeline explosion in California caused severe burns. They ultimately received just $2.5 million.

    Prosecutors said Girardi diverted more than $25 million from his law firm’s operating account to EJ Global, a company created to fund the entertainment career of his now-estranged wife, Erika Jayne, a star on Bravo’s Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.

    Jayne, 53, has denied any involvement and was dismissed from a related lawsuit in 2022. She filed for divorce in 2020 after the allegations surfaced and has maintained she did not know about her husband’s crimes.

    Read more: You don’t have to be a millionaire to gain access to this $1B private real estate fund. In fact, you can get started with as little as $10 — here’s how

    Hiring a lawyer? Here’s how to protect yourself

    Girardi wasn’t just any lawyer — he was one of the most prominent personal injury attorneys in the country. That’s what made his fraud so devastating. But there are still ways to protect yourself when hiring a lawyer, no matter how impressive their resume is.

    Red flags to watch out for:

    • Lack of transparency: If a lawyer avoids sharing documentation or gives vague answers about your case, that’s a warning sign.
    • Payment delays: Once cleared, settlement checks should be disbursed promptly. Unexplained delays are cause for concern.
    • No written agreements: Always get a written retainer agreement that outlines fees, responsibilities and expectations.
    • Pressure tactics: Be cautious if a lawyer pushes you to make decisions without giving you time to understand your rights.

    Even savvy clients can still be taken advantage of. If you suspect fraud or misconduct, here’s what to do:

    • Request documentation: Ask for a detailed breakdown of your settlement and where the money went.
    • Check the bar association: Make sure the lawyer is licensed and review any disciplinary actions through your state’s bar association.
    • File a complaint: Every state has a grievance or disciplinary board. In Ohio, for example, grievances are filed with the Ohio Bar.
    • Hire a second lawyer: If something doesn’t feel right, get a second opinion.

    Even a seasoned, high-profile attorney can betray their clients’ trust. Staying informed, asking questions and knowing your rights can help you avoid becoming the next victim.

    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.

  • This Pennsylvania woman got a $12K utility bill — after waiting months for her statement. And lawmakers now say PECO isn’t acting fast enough for the thousands left in a similar situation

    This Pennsylvania woman got a $12K utility bill — after waiting months for her statement. And lawmakers now say PECO isn’t acting fast enough for the thousands left in a similar situation

    Posiey Brown of Norristown, Pennsylvania, was floored when she opened her PECO energy bill in April — totaling $11,723.93 in charges.

    “There’s no way,” she recalled thinking to CBS News Philadelphia in a story published May 30. It was the first utility bill she had seen in months and much higher than anticipated.

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    Brown says she called PECO after not receiving a statement in August and was told the company had trouble accessing her bill. She continued to seek answers and tried to make partial payments in the meantime, but felt her concerns weren’t being taken seriously.

    As it turns out, Brown wasn’t the only PECO customer to experience billing problems.

    Bizarre billing errors

    Ann Palladino of Whitemarsh Township also reached out to CBS News Philadelphia about her PECO billing problems, and says she’d gone nearly a year without receiving a bill.

    “My daughter told me to contact you because she was tired of me complaining about it,” Palladino told the local broadcaster. “For people who are used to having their bills fully paid and on time, it’s disconcerting”

    PECO confirmed to CBS News Philadelphia that up to 8,000 customers have been impacted by billing glitches since last year after the utility company transitioned to a new billing system. PECO admitted it has not been able to explain why certain accounts were affected, but says it has taken steps to fix the problem, including hiring more staff and setting up an email address dedicated to billing complaints.

    “Many of these issues have been resolved, and we continue working daily to address remaining concerns,” a company spokesperson told the broadcaster.

    Even so, frustration is mounting. The Southeast Delegation of Pennsylvania House Democrats sent an open letter to PECO accusing the utility of not acting quickly enough to solve these problems.

    Read more: You don’t have to be a millionaire to gain access to this $1B private real estate fund. In fact, you can get started with as little as $10 — here’s how

    CBS News Philadelphia reports, after it got involved, that PECO determined Brown’s shocking balance was caused by a meter programming error that calculated her usage incorrectly. The company corrected her bill and waived late fees, reducing the total balance to around $900. Brown is now on a payment plan. Palladino told the broadcaster she started receiving statements for previous months, but her bills were not yet current.

    Brown says PECO should have been more proactive and forthcoming about its billing problems.

    “They should’ve notified the customers they were having a billing issue,” she said.

    How to navigate billing issues

    If you’re a PECO customer — or dealing with a billing error from any utility — here are steps to protect yourself:

    Document everything: Save your bills, note when they stop arriving or if you feel there’s a major error, and keep a log of your payment history and any communication with the utility company. Write down the time and what you discussed in phone calls, and try to reach out by email so there’s a paper trail.

    Contact the utility right away: For PECO customers, use the dedicated email ([email protected]) and ask for a written explanation. Make sure to document any attempts at communication, whether you reach someone or not.

    File a complaint: If you’re not getting a resolution, file a complaint with the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission or your state’s equivalent.

    Contact your local representative: Sometimes outside pressure makes a difference. Your county commissioner, mayor or other lawmakers may be able to help. Local media might also be interested in telling your story.

    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.

  • 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: You don’t have to be a millionaire to gain access to this $1B private real estate fund. In fact, you can get started with as little as $10 — here’s how

    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.

    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.

  • ‘Back up, cowboy’: Albuquerque woman living in the real ‘Breaking Bad’ house says she’s fed up with fans trespassing, throwing pizza on her roof — here’s how she’s fighting back

    Breaking Bad fans are pushing one homeowner to her breaking point. Joanne Quintana, the owner of the Albuquerque house made famous as Walter White’s residence on the Emmy Award-winning series Breaking Bad, says what was once a brush with Hollywood magic has become a daily nuisance.

    In a viral clip that’s garnered nearly 3 million views, influencer Santi captures Quintana sitting in her front yard, spraying a hose at overzealous fans and yelling at them to back off.

    “Back up, cowboy,” she says to one man who edges too close. To another, she snaps, “One picture, then you go.”

    Quintana, who lived in the house while Breaking Bad was filming between 2008 and 2013, once welcomed the experience. She described it to KOB4 as “a once-in-a-lifetime” opportunity to meet the cast and crew. But years later, the show’s cult following has created chaos and she’s had enough.

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    What are fans doing?

    Fans from all over the world visit Quintana’s house, often standing on the sidewalk to take photos — or worse. Some throw whole pizzas onto the roof in homage to a memorable scene from the show. That finally stopped when “Breaking Bad” creator Vince Gilligan reprimanded fans on a podcast.

    “There is nothing original, or funny, or cool, about throwing a pizza on this lady’s roof,” Gilligan told fans at that time.

    Others show up at all hours, including one disturbing incident where a package addressed to “Walter White” arrived at 4:30 a.m. The family was so alarmed that they called in the bomb squad.

    Despite erecting a fence, visitors continue to push boundaries.

    “We average 300 cars a day. Come Balloon Fiesta, hundreds of thousands come for balloons. Balloons go up, they come down. Where do they come? Here,” said Quintana in a news interview.

    Some use tripods, walk onto her property, or argue with Quintana when she sets limits. She’s finally had enough and is ready to sell the home.

    “This was our family home from 1973, almost 52 years. So we’re going to walk away with just our memories. It’s time to move on. We’re done. There’s no reason to fight anymore,” said Quintana.

    Read more: You don’t have to be a millionaire to gain access to this $1B private real estate fund. In fact, you can get started with as little as $10 — here’s how

    What legal rights do property owners have against trespassers?

    In New Mexico, Quintana has clear legal protections under the state’s criminal trespass statute. According to New Mexico Statute 30-14-1, it is a misdemeanor to enter or remain on posted private property without permission. The law specifies that a posted “no trespassing” sign at all vehicle entry points is sufficient notice.

    This means that as long as her property is properly marked, anyone who steps past her fence without consent may be charged with criminal trespass. However, she cannot stop fans from standing on the public sidewalk or street to take photos. Sidewalks and streets are public property and unless a visitor enters private land, she has limited legal recourse.

    Still, if someone crosses the property line — especially after being told not to — she does have the right to call local law enforcement. In addition to legal protections, Quintana could consider further deterrents, such as installing motion-activated sprinklers or planting tall privacy hedges to make the home less visible to curious fans.

    Of course, if you’re determined to get a closer look at the house, there’s one surefire way to do it — Quintana listed the house for $4 million earlier this year.

    With that multi-million dollar price tag, it’s unlikely a typical family will move in — but Quintana hopes the next owner embraces the home’s fame.

    “I hope they make it what the fans want. They want a B&B, they want a museum, they want access to it. Go for it,” Quintana told KOB News.

    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.

  • Michigan police say ex‑Ford worker stole millions worth of car parts right off the line to then sell on eBay in years-long scheme — plus how US drivers can avoid getting burned by hot parts

    Millions of dollars of brand-new Ford hoods, bumpers and taillights recently disappeared straight off the assembly line into an online market before Dearborn police cracked the case.

    According to Fox 2 Detroit, a former Ford Motor employee slipped the parts out of three plants in Wayne, Dearborn and Flat Rock over more than two years, then funneled the loot to a Detroit‑area auto shop that resold it on eBay.

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    “When we executed a search warrant … from the floor to the ceiling, it was stacked with brand‑new auto parts,” Police Chief Issa Shahin told Fox 2. The suspect and several associates are now in custody, facing potential charges of grand theft auto, racketeering and running a criminal enterprise.

    Details on the scam are still pending

    According to Shahin, the ex‑employee removed factory‑fresh components during shifts and drove them to a third‑party shop on West Chicago Street, where they were then sold online.

    Detectives believe the parts were listed online within days, generating a big payday for all parties involved — until police stepped in and shut the entire enterprise down, reports Fox 2.

    Any item confirmed as stolen violates eBay’s Stolen Property Policy, which states the company “will work with law enforcement in any attempts to sell stolen property on eBay” and permanently remove offending listings.

    Since the federal INFORM Consumers Act took effect in 2023, high‑volume online sellers must verify their identities and provide contact information, which gives police an additional paper trail if goods are suspected to have been stolen.

    The warehouse‑style storefront and two locations related to the theft ring have been closed while officers sort and catalog thousands of items. Shahin said the department is “working with all of our partners to see if we can shut them down permanently.” Ford’s global investigations unit is also assisting officials.

    Many of the details of this investigation are still under wraps while police continue to investigate, but Fox 2 reports all suspects are currently in custody.

    Read more: You don’t have to be a millionaire to gain access to this $1B private real estate fund. In fact, you can get started with as little as $10 — here’s how

    How could this impact consumers?

    Buying discounted car parts online can be tempting, but stolen inventory creates headaches for drivers and body shops alike.

    If Ford invalidates the component’s warranty — or law enforcement seizes the part during an investigation — owners may be stuck with a repair bill and no restitution. Plus, you can be charged with receiving stolen property, depending on which state you live in.

    So, how do you avoid stolen goods?

    • Check the price against the MSRP. A new bumper listed at half the dealership cost is a red flag unless the seller can document overstock or liquidation.
    • Look for original packaging and intact barcode labels. Missing boxes or scratched‑off serial numbers can signal hot goods.
    • Vet the seller. Reputable merchants post business addresses, clear return policies and years of positive feedback. Beware of brand‑new accounts or profiles that hide contact info.
    • Ask for paperwork. Legitimate dismantlers and surplus dealers should provide a receipt showing where the part came from, such as an auction lot, insurance salvage or OEM close‑out.
    • Use protected payment methods. Paying with a credit card — rather than debit or cash — may make it easier to claw back funds if law enforcement later flags the item as stolen.

    If you spot a suspicious listing, you can report a concern on eBay and forward the URL and any screenshots to the local police.

    While you likely won’t be able to trace the validity of smaller parts, larger parts like doors or engines may still have the car’s original VIN number on them. If so, you can verify whether the vehicle was reported stolen using the National Insurance Crime Bureau’s free VINCheck Service.

    Stolen parts rings thrive on speed and anonymity, moving inventory before factories even notice it’s missing. A few minutes of due diligence — plus a healthy dose of skepticism about “too‑good‑to‑be‑true” prices — can steer you clear of the financial and legal headache of buying stolen parts.

    What to read next

    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.

  • ‘Let’s see what happens’: NYC store goes viral for selling $4 ‘mystery boxes’ — but some packages come with an extra shocking surprise. Here’s what you need to know to protect yourself

    ‘Let’s see what happens’: NYC store goes viral for selling $4 ‘mystery boxes’ — but some packages come with an extra shocking surprise. Here’s what you need to know to protect yourself

    A dollar store in the Bronx has gone viral after a TikTok video showcased its $4 “mystery packages.”

    The boxes, which contain returned merchandise from retailers like Amazon, Walmart and others, can hold anything from brand-new sandals to toilet plungers. The thrill of the unknown is part of the appeal — and business is booming.

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    “Just hope and pray, let’s see what happens,” said one shopper outside Dollar Universe.

    Store manager Luis Almonte sources the boxes from liquidators in Brooklyn and New Jersey, paying around $600 for pallets of roughly 400 items. The goods are customer returns from across the country, many originally sold by Amazon or Walmart, and resold in bulk through liquidation channels.

    But as the store’s popularity grows, so do the questions.

    Are these sales legal?

    Almonte insisted to WABC 7 Eyewitness News that he’s just trying to run a fun, affordable business. Still, he’s aware there may be legal or ethical lines he doesn’t want to cross.

    “I’m going to do an investigation to see, because I don’t want to do anything illegal that hurts myself,” Almonte said.

    To test the process, reporter Kemberly Richardson purchased one of the returned items and discovered the original buyer’s full name, phone number and home address were still on the box.

    She called the phone number, and the stunned buyer confirmed they had returned what was supposed to be a yoga mat. They were shocked to hear their personal information was still floating around on a resold package.

    Almonte said he normally uses a marker to obscure personal information and is willing to go further if needed.

    “I scratch the name dark that way nobody sees,” he said, adding that if that’s not enough, he’ll remove items from the packaging altogether.

    Walmart told Eyewitness News it requires all its liquidators to remove personal customer information before resale. Amazon said it’s now investigating the matter, including “the possibility that these products may have been delivered to customer addresses, were stolen and are now being resold by unauthorized third parties.”

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    What happens to those Amazon packages you return?

    Returned Amazon packages don’t always go back on the digital shelves. Many are routed to liquidation warehouses where they’re bundled into pallets and auctioned off to resellers. These buyers — like Almonte — often have no idea what’s in each box until it’s opened.

    While this resale model isn’t new, the viral popularity of $4 “mystery boxes” is raising fresh concerns about data privacy and consumer protection.

    If you return items online, you might assume your personal data is wiped — but that’s not always the case. In rare instances, as this story highlights, packaging labels with full names, phone numbers and addresses can end up in the hands of strangers.

    To protect yourself, make sure to:

    • Remove or deface shipping labels before returning items, when possible.
    • Avoid returns that include sensitive items or personal documents.
    • Monitor your accounts and credit reports for unusual activity, especially if you’ve recently made several returns.

    This incident doesn’t necessarily mean you need to stop shopping online, but it’s a reminder that once you send a package back, what happens next is often out of your control.

    Major retailers like Walmart and Amazon allow third-party liquidation of returns, and they typically have policies in place to protect customer privacy. But as this case shows, gaps can occur — especially when items move through multiple hands.

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

  • This Florida couple says they paid a landscaper $27K to transform their yard — but all they got was some dead grass. Now, they’re suing and warning others to avoid falling for slick scammers

    This Florida couple says they paid a landscaper $27K to transform their yard — but all they got was some dead grass. Now, they’re suing and warning others to avoid falling for slick scammers

    Nick and Susan Perfido of Seminole County, Florida, were looking forward to transforming their backyard into an outdoor paradise. They hired Florida Landscape Living LLC, a company based in Maitland, to do the job.

    “We’re going to have a fire bowl here — actually a fire table,” Nick told WESH 2 News while showing reporters a pile of dirt where the project was supposed to take shape.

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    But shortly after writing two checks totaling $27,654.25 in January and February, the couple says everything began to unravel.

    The couple is fighting to get their money back

    The Perfidos were initially impressed by Florida Landscape Living’s sleek website and polished pitch.

    “Everything looked really beautiful and was very glamorous,” Susan told WESH reporters. “It was all window dressing.”

    According to a complaint they filed with the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office, reports WESH, the only work completed was the destruction of grass along their property line. Beyond that, the couple says nothing else was done. When they requested a refund, they say the company demanded a “cancellation fee” of $22,185.60.

    “They were trying to do everything in their power not to answer questions,” Nick said. “That was really the big issue for us, and that’s why we pulled the plug.”

    Then, in March, the landscaping business appeared to vanish. Its Maitland storefront was cleared out, signage removed and inventory was gone. That’s when the Perfidos filed the criminal complaint with the Sheriff’s Office, alleging fraud, larceny and grand theft. They also filed a complaint with the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation.

    Now, they’re taking the company, including its five principals, to court. The couple is suing for “fraudulent misrepresentation” and “civil theft,” and is seeking $181,817 in total damages, reports WESH.

    The attorney for Florida Landscape Living, who has filed a motion to dismiss the claims, called them "a hodge-podge of wild-eyed accusations."

    While preparing their case, the Perfidos — working with a private investigator — say they found that the defendants were linked to dozens of inactive Florida businesses. They told WESH that they also uncovered indications that Florida Landscape Living may not have held the proper licenses.

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    How to avoid hiring a scam company

    The Perfidos’ story is an alarming reminder of how convincing bad actors can be. If you’re considering hiring a contractor for landscaping or home improvement work, here are steps to help protect yourself:

    • Verify licensing. Always check with your city, county or state licensing board, like the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), to confirm the company has the proper credentials.

    • Search for complaints. Look up the company on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and your local clerk of courts. Public records may show lawsuits, liens or past business violations.

    • Read reviews and ask for references. Look beyond testimonials on the company’s website and use third-party review sites and ask to speak with past customers.

    • Review the contract carefully. Understand the cancellation policy and payment schedule. Be wary of large upfront payments or vague language about fees.

    • Avoid cash payments. Pay by credit card, if possible, as it offers more consumer protection. At a minimum, make sure you have a paper trail of all payments, such as cancelled checks or proof of bank transfers.

    If you’ve already handed over funds to a company and you suspect fraud, take action quickly. File a police report and submit a complaint to state agencies that oversee businesses. In Florida, that is the DBPR. If the amount is significant, you may be able to pursue a civil case for breach of contract.

    Finally, warn others. You can file a complaint with BBB. You can also leave an online review, a post on social media or consider reaching out to local news stations to get your story heard and help others avoid being taken advantage of.

    While the Perfidos have since hired a new contractor to finish their yard, their legal fight continues. “This is about bringing these people to justice,” said Nick.

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

  • Canadian man gets 2.5 years in prison for ‘elaborate scheme’ using his mother’s identity to steal more than $420,000 from Social Security over 30 years. But how common is this, actually?

    Canadian man gets 2.5 years in prison for ‘elaborate scheme’ using his mother’s identity to steal more than $420,000 from Social Security over 30 years. But how common is this, actually?

    A Canadian man has been arrested, sentenced to two-and-a-half years in prison and ordered to repay $420,000 he stole in Social Security benefits over a 30-year period, the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Alaska said in a news release May 12.

    Ellis Kingsep, 77, was legally living in the U.S. and used an "elaborate scheme" to collect Social Security benefits intended for his mother, the office says. His mother would now be 103 years old, but no records of her exist past 1993 and she’s presumed dead.

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    As President Donald Trump has pushed to uncover what he called "shocking levels of incompetence and probable fraud" in Social Security, this situation highlights concerns about how long-term fraud can slip through the cracks, especially when beneficiaries die and no one reports it.

    How did Kingsep keep receiving payments?

    Kingsep’s fraud, the office says, relied on a complex system of mail forwarding that helped him receive and send mail in his mother’s name. Citing court documents, it says he used multiple private mailbox accounts in California, Vancouver and Alaska to intercept and reroute mail.

    It’s estimated the scheme was devised in 1995 and continued undetected until 2023, when a federal investigator uncovered the deception. At this point, the payments were stopped.

    Kingsep was arrested in July 2024 and in December pleaded guilty to one count of mail fraud. In addition to the prison sentence and restitution, the court also imposed a $50,000 criminal fine and ordered him to serve three years of supervised release following his incarceration.

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    How common is Social Security fraud?

    Since taking office in January 2025, Trump has repeatedly made unverified claims about widespread fraud in the Social Security system. During a joint session of Congress, Trump claimed, "1.3 million people from ages 150 to 159 and over 130,000 people, according to the Social Security databases, are age over 160 years old." He even said that one person was listed as being 360 years old.

    While the numbers sound alarming, these statements reflect a misunderstanding of the data rather than actual fraud. Millions of people in the Social Security database appear to be over 100, but that’s largely because they died before death records were digitized, and their deaths were never formally recorded. Nearly all of those individuals are no longer receiving benefits. In fact, the Social Security Administration (SSA) reports that just 0.1% of Social Security retirement beneficiaries are over the age of 100. SSA policy also halts payments for beneficiaries over the age of 115.

    In terms of financial errors, the SSA’s Office of the Inspector General reported nearly $72 billion in improper payments in 2024. But that number included overpayments and underpayments to beneficiaries.

    The Inspector General’s office has made several recommendations to improve payment accuracy, though many remained to be implemented as of August. Still, fraud itself appears to be rare. Kathleen Romig, Director of Social Security and Disability Policy at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, noted that Social Security maintains a payment accuracy rate of nearly 99%.

    The Kingsep case is a rare example, but it highlights the importance of keeping records up to date. When a loved one who receives benefits passes away, the funeral home usually notifies the SSA. If no funeral home is involved, you can report the death directly by calling 1-800-772-1213.

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