Hunterdon County Prosecutor's Office’s Post

We've been hearing a lot of stories from customers recently, about how they've been caught out by locksmith scammers. These scammers lie about being local, the work needed to be done, and they inflate the final bill they want you to pay. Read our blog post which explains: 👉🏼what locksmith scams are 👉🏼how to spot them 👉🏼what you can do to avoid being caught out! If you have any other questions, don't hesitate to get in touch, we're here to help!

The Santa Rosa Sheriff's Office is putting the screws to contractor fraud after nailing Aron Carrillo for allegedly causing $50,000 in damages to homes in Florida, Alabama, and Louisiana. The arrest on charges of grand theft and contracting without a license has triggered the issuance of a contractor fraud alert in response to his alleged misdeeds. Operating under the name Tres Carrillos LLC, Carrillo is accused of accepting $19,000 for a job that required both a contractor and electrical license, yet he failed to obtain the necessary permits and permit inspections for the project. This oversight led to an estimated $50,000 in damages to the home he was working on, potentially jeopardizing its structural integrity by harming vital support beams. The repercussions of Carrillo's actions stretch beyond the Florida Panhandle to Alabama and Louisiana, where similar offenses are filed against him. As the investigation unfolds, he may face additional charges in various Florida counties. The Santa Rosa Sheriff's Office is urging individuals who have had previous dealings with Aron Carrillo or Tres Carrillos LLC to come forward with any relevant information about their interactions. If you have suspicions of fraudulent activity by a contractor or want to ensure the reliability of your chosen contractor, it is recommended to contact the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) for assistance. They can help you file complaints against fraudulent contractors or verify if your selected contractor is a licensed professional listed. https://lnkd.in/euJKB5qB

The Santa Rosa Sheriff's Office is putting the screws to contractor fraud after nailing Aron Carrillo for allegedly causing $50,000 in damages to homes in Florida, Alabama, and Louisiana. The arrest on charges of grand theft and contracting without a license has triggered the issuance of a contractor fraud alert in response to his alleged misdeeds. Operating under the name Tres Carrillos LLC, Carrillo is accused of accepting $19,000 for a job that required both a contractor and electrical license, yet he failed to obtain the necessary permits and permit inspections for the project. This oversight led to an estimated $50,000 in damages to the home he was working on, potentially jeopardizing its structural integrity by harming vital support beams. The repercussions of Carrillo's actions stretch beyond the Florida Panhandle to Alabama and Louisiana, where similar offenses are filed against him. As the investigation unfolds, he may face additional charges in various Florida counties. The Santa Rosa Sheriff's Office is urging individuals who have had previous dealings with Aron Carrillo or Tres Carrillos LLC to come forward with any relevant information about their interactions. If you have suspicions of fraudulent activity by a contractor or want to ensure the reliability of your chosen contractor, it is recommended to contact the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) for assistance. They can help you file complaints against fraudulent contractors or verify if your selected contractor is a licensed professional listed. https://lnkd.in/euJKB5qB

Social Media Unravels Postal Worker’s Workers’ Compensation Fraud Scheme: Johnnie Franklin Sullivan, Sr.’s tale of workers’ compensation fraud unfolded in an unexpected arena: social media. The 73-year-old former U.S. Postal Service worker from Mooresville, North Carolina, admitted to exploiting the federal workers’ compensation program by falsely claiming severe work-related injuries, a deceit that social media would eventually expose. Sullivan’s guilty plea, entered before U.S. Magistrate Judge Susan C. Rodriguez, highlighted the pivotal role of digital footprints in uncovering fraud. Sullivan began receiving workers’ compensation benefits in 2005 after an injury incurred while working as a mail processing clerk in Charlotte. Required to submit periodic reports about his condition, Sullivan fabricated his physical limitations, asserting an inability to perform basic movements and activities, thereby securing over $103,261 in benefits. However, Sullivan’s active social media presence told a different story. Posts depicted him engaging in activities starkly contradicting his claimed disabilities, including international travel, ziplining, surfing, and dancing, activities far removed from the capabilities of someone with his alleged physical restrictions. This case underscores the increasing scrutiny of social media in legal and investigative processes, showcasing how digital content can undermine fraudulent claims and lead to legal repercussions. U.S. Attorney Dena J. King and Postal Service special agent Jeff Krafels both emphasized the seriousness with which they treat such fraud, reflecting a broader commitment to preserving the integrity of federal support systems against abuse. Sullivan’s conviction serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of workers’ compensation fraud and the unexpected ways in which evidence of such deceit can come to light. As Sullivan awaits sentencing, his case acts as a reminder of the importance of honesty in claiming federal benefits and the potential of social media as a tool for justice. #Fraud #WorkersCompensation #Claims #Insurance

If you’re updating your property and plan on hiring a contractor, be on the lookout for these red flags to avoid contractor fraud. And before you hire a contractor or start a big project, make sure you’re properly insured. #PersonalRisk #McGriff

𝑪𝒂𝒎𝒑𝒃𝒆𝒍𝒍 𝑪𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒕𝒚 𝑨𝒅𝒗𝒊𝒔𝒆𝒔 𝑪𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒛𝒆𝒏𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝑹𝒆𝒄𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝑰𝒏𝒗𝒐𝒊𝒄𝒆 𝑺𝒄𝒂𝒎; 𝑬𝒏𝒄𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒂𝒈𝒆𝒔 𝑪𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒛𝒆𝒏𝒔 𝒕𝒐 𝑻𝒂𝒌𝒆 𝑷𝒓𝒆𝒄𝒂𝒖𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝗖𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗯𝗲𝗹𝗹 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝘆, 𝗩𝗔 – The Campbell County Community Development Office has become aware of a fraudulent invoice scam targeting our citizens. Residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and aware of this deceptive scheme. On Tuesday, August 20, 2024, county staff received a report from a community member that received an invoice which appears to be from the Campbell County Board of Zoning Appeals/Planning and Zoning Commission. These invoices are not legitimate communications; it is a scam designed to convince citizens to share personal and financial information. Invoices may include requests for payment for services that were never rendered; see attached example of Fraudulent Invoice. While these invoices may look convincing, mimicking the format and language of a real billing document, please note that official communications regarding invoices and payments are always sent via traditional mail. We urge all citizens to take the following precautions to protect themselves from potential scams: 𝗗𝗼 𝗡𝗼𝘁 𝗣𝗮𝘆 𝗘𝗺𝗮𝗶𝗹 𝗜𝗻𝘃𝗼𝗶𝗰𝗲𝘀: If you receive an unexpected invoice, do not pay it. Verify its authenticity by contacting the company directly using known contact information, not the information provided on the invoice. 𝗥𝗲𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗰𝗮𝗺: If you believe you have received a scam invoice, please report it to the Campbell County Sheriff's Office at (434) 332-9580, or to the Federal Trade Commission at www.reportfraud.ftc.gov. Your reports help law enforcement track and address these fraudulent activities. 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗜𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Be cautious about sharing personal or financial information over the phone, through email, or online. Scammers often create a sense of urgency to provoke fear and compel individuals to act hastily. 𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗔𝗹𝗲𝗿𝘁: Spread the word within your community. Inform friends and family members, especially those who may be less familiar with common scams, so they can protect themselves. The safety and well-being of our community are paramount; all direct payment inquiries should only be conducted through official county channels. If you have questions about your invoices or payment processes, please contact the Campbell County Community Development office directly at (434) 332-9595 or [email protected]. To view the Fraudulent Invoice Example, please visit: t.ly/YQn0G

If your #contractor is trying to get around this important rule and requirement, then it's hard to think they're not skimming or scamming in other areas, too - Ask how I can help you prevent becoming the next victim! Call Today!

You may have heard about the recent Vancouver Island paving scam. A family fell victim to scammers who posed as a legitimate business, leaving them with a hefty bill for subpar services. Such scams are on the rise and cost consumers thousands of dollars. Read more about this news here: https://lnkd.in/g96fRaJ5 Compliance software, like what Entuitive Compliance offers, plays a critical role in preventing these scams. Here's how: 1. Business Verification: Entuitive Compliance can verify the legitimacy of service providers, ensuring that homeowners are not targeted by fraudulent businesses using a reputable name. 2. Contract Oversight: Using Entuitive Compliance software, you can ensure that agreed-upon prices and terms are followed. This prevents scammers from arbitrarily inflating costs after the job is completed. 3. Regulatory Control: We assist you in navigating door-to-door sales regulations, ensuring that salespeople follow local laws and do not use high-pressure tactics to deceive homeowners. 4. Accountability and documentation: Our software requires contractors to submit detailed documentation of their work, including photographs and progress reports. This documentation can be used as evidence in court, making it more difficult for scammers to get away with shoddy workmanship. 5. Consumer Ratings: Entuitive Compliance facilitates consumer reviews and ratings of service providers, allowing potential customers to make informed decisions based on the experiences of others. Suspicious or poorly-rated businesses may be flagged for further investigation. Contact us today to learn more about how our workforce compliance software can safeguard your business and your peace of mind. https://lnkd.in/g6SpmT9F 💼✨ #EntuitiveCompliance #WorkforceCompliance #ConsumerProtection #BusinessSecurity #ComplianceSoftware

Professionals, let's be more vigilant as we go about our daily activities these days. There have been increasing cases of theft affecting people I know. I experienced a disturbing incident in September last year while I was on my way to work. I entered a Sienna car; it was dark inside, and the passengers appeared to be asleep. One person was beside me, and another was in the back. The individual sitting next to the driver was assisting in soliciting passengers. I was the only one picked up from my bus stop, and a young lady was picked up from the next bus stop. Shortly after the young lady entered and the door shut, the driver signaled something like "It's time," and suddenly everyone was awake. The man in the front forcefully grabbed my neck, while another pulled me, demanding my phone and any possessions I had. It all happened swiftly as the car sped away. The harassment made me realize I had entered  "one chance", a local term describing robbers who use public buses to prey on unsuspecting passengers. They took everything I had: my laptop, phone, and ATM card. I was also forced to sign out of my iCloud on both my phone and laptop and to give them my ATM pin. In the end, a strong balm was applied to my face, leaving me unable to see as I was dropped off at an unfamiliar location. Thankfully, I wasn't hurt during the whole incident. Here are ways to avoid this from happening to you: 1. Use your personal car to commute to work. 2. Avoid public transport before dawn. 3. Consider ordering a ride from Bolt, Uber, or Shuttlers if you must go out very early. 4. Be wary of entering Sienna cars in the early hours or late nights, as they are commonly used for such crimes. 5. Follow someone who goes towards the direction where you work. 6. If you must leave very early, go with a friend.  7. Check the car/bus you want to enter carefully, if you sense anything wrong don’t enter. What if you find yourself in such a situation: 1. Prioritize your safety over belongings. There have been numerous cases where resistance resulted in permanent injuries. 2. You can start praying or speaking in tongues loudly. A friend of mine escaped the situation by doing this. If you manage to escape such a situation: 1. Seek help from passersby for transport fare to reach people you know. 2. Borrow a phone to call your bank and freeze your account, hoping your funds are still secure. 3. Block your SIM card or retrieve it before it's used for fraudulent activities against your contacts. Let's remember that as we pursue professional success, our safety should remain paramount. Stay vigilant, stay safe.

When discussing employee theft, the conversation often turns to a story of how someone stole this much money and then everyone is concerned with, "what did the company do to get their money back” and “what happened to the employee.” The more important question is, “how will this and other types of loss be prevented in the future?” The answer to that question depends on the type of business you are running.