Attorney pleads guilty to theft in investment scam Patriot-News … filed last year by the state attorney general's office, involve an investment scam Smith and Jerome A. Kindrachuk, 65, of Allentown, are accused of … and more

Former MoFo Partner Accused of Major Fraud Above the Law I bet if a black family or a poor family just made up an freaking company and told the state to pay for it, somebody would have bothered to double check . … and more

State insurance officials warn of another scam NewsOK.com Holland said one way to avoid falling victim to insurance scams is to always check with the state Insurance Department and make sure they're authorized to … and more

Final court judgment favors wronged investor WLBZ-TV Bill Lumb first invested in what became the largest investment scam in Maine history in the mid-1990's. He and others around the state bought shares of the … and more

NYSIF Check Scam Resurfaces Insurance News Net (press release) The New York State Insurance Fund has reissued a warning about a sweepstakes scam that NYSIF first became aware of last September, involving fraudulent …

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NYSIF Check Scam Resurfaces – Insurance News Net (press release)

SENTINEL EDITORIAL: The times call out for more credulity on money matters The Keene Sentinel … to the state Attorney General's Office, a New Hampshire lawyer has been bilked out of more than $240000 in a high stakes version of the bad- check scam . …

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SENTINEL EDITORIAL: The times call out for more credulity on money matters – The Keene Sentinel

Avoid new Medicare rebate scam Queens Courier The New York State Insurance Department is warning senior citizens – don't get cheated out of your $250 Medicare rebate check . …

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Avoid new Medicare rebate scam – Queens Courier

McKnight’s Long Term Care News Seniors warned of scam involving Medicare rebate WatertownDailyTimes.com Seniors who suspect fraud are urged to call the state Insurance Department's Consumer Services Bureau at 1 (800) 342-3736. Seniors filled in on 'doughnut hole' by HHS secretary The Union Leader Senior citizens warned about $250 Medicare rebate scam News 10NBC Senior Citizens Warned About $250 Medicare Rebate Scam ReadMedia (press release) Foster’s Daily Democrat all 43 news articles

Tbo.com Florida's State Insurer Warns Clients of Mail Scam BusinessWeek Citizens will spend $97000 on a direct-mail campaign to potential victims, and will credit customers for payment if their checks were cashed in the scam , … Citizens Property Insurance address hijacked MiamiHerald.com Citizens alerts 213000 of ID theft attempt Palm Beach Post Citizens warns of fraud after mailing address was changed Tbo.com all 61 news articles

STATE v. AGARWAL Leagle.com … Michota expressed the opinion that defendant knew the Canadian check was fake when he deposited it and defendant was part of the scam , not a victim. …

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STATE v. AGARWAL – Leagle.com

Medicare Recipients Target of New Scam Consumer Affairs … already received reports of the scam in his state. He warns seniors not to give out personal information to anyone calling about the $250 rebate check . … and more

Shred day highlights importance of identity theft protection Lexington Clipper Herald We also want to know when someone is attempting to scam one of our customers. We keep track of those scams and write letters to the state attorney general's …

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Shred day highlights importance of identity theft protection – Lexington Clipper Herald

Ex-Howland man accused of $7 million fraud Warren Tribune Chronicle The Ohio Division of Securities lists Ponzi schemes as the top investment scam in the state this year. WARREN – A former Howland man is facing a federal … Warren man charged with mail fraud in scam Youngstown Vindicator all 14 news articles

AARP Connecticut and State Department of Banking monitor free lunch investment … ShorelinePlus.com … against unscrupulous promoters by reporting possibilities of investment fraud in their communities to state securities authorities for investigation. … and more

Not even FBI raid halted state aid to child-care center Milwaukee Journal Sentinel … fraud since at least January continued to collect money from the state's taxpayer-supported Wisconsin Shares program – even getting an $18000 check that … and more

Scam artists may follow storm paths Tri State Defender A tip-off: Check the repair truck's license plate. If it's from out of state or a county miles away, you're likely talking to a fly-by-night operator. …

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Scam artists may follow storm paths – Tri State Defender

Comptroller warns of mystery shopper scam WCAX The letter includes a counterfeit New York State check for amounts from $3500 to $4960 that bears a forged signature of DiNapoli. Anyone with questions or … Mystery shopping scam uses local address NewsChannel 9 WSYR NY comptroller warns of mystery shopper scam bearing his fake signature WRGB all 11 news articles

Mystery shopping scam uses local address NewsChannel 9 WSYR Waterloo (WSYR-TV) – They use a Waterloo address and send you a fake check that appears to be from New York State, but this new mystery shopping scam is …

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Mystery shopping scam uses local address – NewsChannel 9 WSYR

NY comptroller warns of mystery shopper scam bearing his fake signature WRGB “No legitimate check from the State of New York would ever be used as part of a mystery shopper program. If you receive one of these fraudulent checks, … and more

St. John's officials warn of scam The State Journal-Register Homeowners who have offered to donate by check were reportedly told that they should make the checks payable to the person collecting the money. … and more

Union offered home day care providers benefits Detroit Free Press Plaintiff Michelle Berry says the whole thing is a scam . “I don't work for the state. I work for my families.” Berry can't recall the exact date a group of … and more

Warning: Scam Artist Faking State Checks to Lure Victims Bay Net “I understand it is exciting to receive an unexpected check in the mail. However, depositing these checks will result in more debt, as the account holder … Marylanders Receive Warning About Bogus Checks WJZ all 4 news articles

Dep. of Finance warns to beware of loan modification scams Idaho State Journal If you are considering doing business with a mortgage modification company, check the Department of Finance's Web site or call the department to make … and more

As everyone already knows, 2009 was a terrible economic year for a lot of Americans, but some people had it worse than others. A handy table in today’s Wall Street Journal allows us to break down the five states that had the biggest declines in per capita income, and the rugged four that saw an increase — and what the rest of their financial pictures look like. The Worst 5. Idaho Although few outside of Idaho talk about Idaho now that Larry Craig isn’t toe-tapping in a wide stance in the Minneapolis airport, times were tough in Idaho last year! The Spud State was more of a dud state, with a 4.1 percent decline in per capita income, an 8 percent average unemployment rate (better than the national average!) and a 6.6 percent decline in home values. 4. Arizona John McCain’s home state didn’t see an end to its troubles in 2009, as the Copper State’s per capita income went down by 4.1 percent even as actual copper prices went up . Housing prices were down 13 percent and the unemployment rate was 9.1 percent. 3. South Dakota Although no one is loudly contemplating the addition of Ronald Reagan to Mount Rushmore anymore, the Mount Rushmore State had bigger problems in 2009, as per capita income fell by 4.4 percent. Somewhat protected from the unemployment plaguing much of the rest of the country, an average of only 4.4 percent of South Dakotans were unemployed. Better yet, it was one of 18 states that didn’t see a decline in housing prices, as they went up by 1.6 percent in 2009. Still, it’s a fair bet that the winter was miserably cold. 2. Nevada What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, as the saying goes, but neither money, jobs nor housing prices stayed in Vegas in 2009. Unlucky Nevadans saw per capita income drop 5.8 percent, the unemployment rate skyrocket to an average of 11.8 percent and housing prices fall like a lead balloon a grand total of 17 percent. Lady Luck apparently found a new watering hole. 1. Wyoming Per capita income in Wyoming dropped by 5.9 percent and housing prices plummeted by 6 percent. The average unemployment was only 6.4 percent, but the state’s most famous jobless resident — the ex-VP — decamped for a secret bunker elsewhere. The Best 4. Maryland Terps fans might not have a lot to cheer about, but in this economy, a 0.3 percent increase in per capita income was cause for celebration. Housing prices are down 5.5 percent, but average unemployment at 7 percent was under the national rate. 3. Vermont Vermonters were able to crack a smile over something other than delicious ice cream or flavorful cheddar: Per capita income was up a whole half percent in 2009. As in Maryland, average unemployment was under the national average at 7 percent, and housing prices dropped by only 1.3 percent. Looks like it’s time for a little spoonful of celebration. 2. Maine Residents of the Pine Tree State had reason to smile in 2009: a 1 percent increase in per capita income and a 1 percent increase in home values. At 8 percent, unemployment, too, was slightly below the national average. 1. West Virginia Although West Virginians are not often at the top of lists, they are when it comes to income increases in 2009, and their 1.8 percent increase in per capita income won out. Housing prices were down 2.7 percent — hardly the steepest decline — and unemployment was under the national average at 7.9 percent. Not a bad showing for the Mountain State!

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Five States With the Biggest Drops in Income, and the Four That Gained in 2009

The Vegas Channel scam netted woman $200000, officials say Las Vegas Sun Residents who have questions about an investment offer can call the Secretary of State's Securities Division at 1-800-758-6440. …

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The Vegas Channel scam netted woman $200000, officials say – Las Vegas Sun

Officials: Man bilked woman out of $130000 with charity scam Las Vegas Sun “This scam preyed on the sympathies of victims who believed their investments were helping underserved populations.” The Secretary of State's office urges … and more

Keep Ahead of the Latest Scams Credit.com News Check with your state's attorney general's office or banking and financial regulation department to see whether the lender is licensed to do business. Scams …

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Keep Ahead of the Latest Scams – Credit.com News

Elderly warned of con artists Cherry Hill Courier Post AUDUBON — State authorities are warning older residents of a scam in which con artists prey on … and more

KOMU-TV Complaints of scams on rise in downturn Columbia Daily Tribune Missouri's senior citizens are increasingly the targets of scam artists promising big returns on shaky investments . Secretary of State Robin … Carnahan Reveals Biggest Investment Scams KOMU-TV Carnahan warns seniors of investor threats Hannibal.net Top threats and protection tactics for Mo. investors ConnectTriStates.com powered by KHQA all 6 news articles

Seniors beware of fraudulent annuities scams Lehigh Acres Citizen These scam artists promise better investments using fraudulent annuities to rob people of their life's Around the state, we've heard from older Floridians …

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Seniors beware of fraudulent annuities scams – Lehigh Acres Citizen

It's Tax Season and Tax Scam Season Consumer Affairs Consumers who hire certified public accountants can also check with their state's licensing board to see if there are complaints on file; • Confirming the …

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It’s Tax Season and Tax Scam Season – Consumer Affairs

Health Insurance Scams Hitting Small Business National Underwriter Property And Casualty Insurance News It advised consumers to do their homework before signing up, especially if being pressured and to check with their state insurance department whether the … and more

RI State Police warn of three current scams Providence Journal (blog) The scammer will agree to buy the item and will send a cashier's check or money order in an amount higher than the agreed-upon price. … RISP: Multiple Financial Scams Active in Rhode Island WLNE-TV (ABC6) all 3 news articles

Investment scammer chased out of other states ends up in Naples, authorities say Naples Daily News Investigators determined he may have received up to $560000 more from eight more investors in a securities scam , according to the state's cease-and-desist … and more

The RNC’s decision to meet in Honolulu for its conference struck me as pretty defensible, given the surprise special congressional election that will be taking place in the state when Rep. Neil Abercrombie (D-Hawaii) retires next month. But Jonathan Martin found skeptics high up in the GOP firmament who view the location choice as an expensive waste. Asked about the meeting location, one veteran party strategist expressed a mix of bemusement and annoyance by simply replying with a YouTube link to a Don Ho video.

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The Honolulu Backlash

Zachary Roth has details on the recent history of the Pelican Institute, the libertarian Louisiana think tank that brought James O’Keefe into the state before the alleged bungled Landrieu phone plot. That the institute “went after ACORN” is totally unsurprising — what conservative or libertarian group hasn’t? — but O’Keefe and his three alleged co-conspirators have plenty to reveal about how this plot was hatched.

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The Mysterious Pelican Institute

Officials warn over investment scams News 8 Austin Their communication has been especially good concerning investment scams that are being reported in the State of Texas. At a breakfast meeting for CPA's the …

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Officials warn over investment scams – News 8 Austin

The upshot of the news that Delaware Attorney General Beau Biden–son of the vice president–won’t run for the state’s open Senate seat is that Rep. Mike Castle (R-Del.) is now prohibitively likely to take the seat over for Republicans. Delaware Democrats, who have dominated the state for the better part of a decade, have a bench of second-tier candidates to draw on. But Castle, who’s held statewide office in Delaware since the 1980s, is the most popular politician in the state. And Biden’s pass on the race will be national news, an indication that Democrats are panicking about bad polls and bad economic numbers and don’t want to stake their careers on the whims of 2010 midterm voters. A secondary effect of Biden’s decision may come when Tea Party activists–they’ve got a strong presence in Delaware–take a second look at Castle and decide whether it’s worth backing a primary challenger to protest his vote for cap-and-trade legislation. GOP activist Christine O’Donnell had been considering a race; with the stakes considerably lowered, expect to hear more about a possible challenge there.

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Beau Biden Out; Republicans Look Set to Take Delaware Senate Seat

From a rental car in Massachusetts, TWI’s intrepid David Weigel sat down with The Washington Post’s Ezra Klein yesterday for a Bloggingheads.tv session to talk about — what else? — the Senate special election in the Bay State and its potential implications for health care reform. Watch after the jump.

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David Weigel vs. Ezra Klein on Bloggingheads.tv

News Channel 7 Donor beware: Experts warn that scams , disasters go hand-in-hand Boston Herald In Florida, you can check if a charity is registered with the state by calling 800-435-7352 or going to800helpfla.com. —Give to charities that have an … Alleged Quake Scams Popping Up Already CBS News Check out charities helping Haiti earthquake victims News10.net Beware Of Haitian Relief Scams 13WHAM-TV Greenwood Index Journal

I don’t know if it’s a vote of confidence in Massachusetts Democratic turnout or lagging indicator of Coakley’s fumbled campaign–for example, her mystifying decision to go ahead with a Washington, D.C. fundraiser last night, which is producing multiple negative stories –but conservative star Scott Brown is still a long-shot on the betting site InTrade. Shares for Brown–betting that he’d win the open Senate seat–peaked earlier this weak, before Democrats went into the state with a huge ad buy.

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Coakley Stock, Still Selling

The GOP’s candidate in the Massachusetts special election raised more than one million dollars — double the goal — in a 24-hour “moneybomb” on the Ron Paul model. The event itself, and its presentation, bespoke the confidence of a campaign that the slapdash organization of Democratic candidate Martha Coakley hasn’t defined as out of the mainstream to Massachusetts voters. It was billed as “Red Invades Blue.” As conservatives from outside the state clicked to donate, a map of the Bay State washed from blue to red. And as the money rolled in, Brown debated Coakley and promised to filibuster Democratic bills if elected as the “41st vote” in the Senate — the framework popularized by conservatives on Twitter.

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$1.3 Million for Brown

Defending the special Medicaid deal that Democratic leaders gave to Nebraska to entice Sen. Ben Nelson’s (D-Neb.) support for health care reform, Nelson has said that he pushed for that perk on behalf of the state’s governor, Republican Dave Heineman, who was concerned about the increased pressure that a Medicaid expansion would have on Nebraska’s budget. But don’t tell that to Heineman, who appeared on Fox News this morning to dispute Nelson’s claim that the deal was the governor’s bidding. “We didn’t want a special deal,” Heineman said. Nebraskans are opposed to this special deal. I’m opposed to it. … All states ought to be treated fairly and equally, particularly when you’re talking about a federal program like Medicaid. In fact, Heineman said his concern was with unfunded mandates in general, “whether it’s Medicaid or education or whatever.” The deal has haunted Nelson since it was struck last month, sending his approval ratings south ever since. In light of the embarrassment the agreement has brought to the state, the Nebraska moderate might not insist that the provision remain.

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Nebraska Governor: ‘We Didn’t Want a Special Deal’

State Warns Against Youth Service Scam WSMV Most charities are worthy and legitimate, but the state says to be careful and check out organizations before making donations. “Always be willing to ask a …

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State Warns Against Youth Service Scam – WSMV

More for your money Providence Journal Check out your state laws on refunds and exchanges. Your state may have your back. Coupon use is on the rise and so is coupon fraud. From 1986 to 2001, …

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More for your money – Providence Journal

Lottery win the biggest scam of '09 Greensboro News & Record He said, 'We would like to stop by with a check for $80000.'” The lottery scam is No. 1 on the top 10 scams that targeted the central part of the state in … Best of the Worst: Watch out for these scams and rip-offs Burlington Times News all 2 news articles

Photo by: Doug Lindley Idaho State Journal The vacant property is located in the northeast corner of the park and no existing mobile homes at High Country Estates are affected by the scam . …

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Photo by: Doug Lindley – Idaho State Journal

Finally, some explanation for the State Department’s role in not invalidating Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab’s visa. Recall that after CBS reported State had two opportunities last month to revoke the visa , after Abdulmutallab’s father told officials in the U.S. embassy in Abuja that he was alarmingly radicalized, Newsweek’s Mark Hosenball explained that State passed along the warning to the rest of the government through what’s called the Visa VIPER process. Today, in a press briefing, State Department spokesman Ian Kelly confirmed that the information acquired about Abdulmutallab from his father was insufficient to revoke his visa to enter the U.S., which the department issued in June 2008, long before it had any basis for considering him a threat. Kelly all but implored reporters not to blame State for the security lapse: MR. KELLY: Once we issue the visa, and there comes – there is information subsequent to that issuance, the State Department role is to pass that information on, which is what we did after this November 19 visit. So we sent in what’s called a VISAS VIPER cable. This is a system that was set up after November – September 11, 2001, and under this system, when we receive information that could cause the – cause us concern, we send it in to the counterterrorism community for their review. There was also set up, as you all know, the National Counterterrorism Center. And this is the interagency process that reviews the information as this information comes in. QUESTION: Can I stop you – MR. KELLY: And the information in this VISAS VIPER cable was insufficient for this interagency review process to make a determination that this individual’s visa should be revoked. It wasn’t – it’s not – it’s insufficient, and it is not a State Department determination per se in these kinds of issues under – let me give you the name of the act of Congress – under the Enhanced Border Security and Visa Entry Reform Act of 2002, the State Department is mandated to utilize this VISAS VIPER system when we get information, like we did on November 19. Kelly clarified later in the briefing that the interagency process for reviewing the revocation of visas after the VIPER process falls under the aegis of the National Counterterrorism Center.”I think it’s incumbent upon the NCTC, as I understand it, for them to come to us and ask us to revoke the visa,” he said. So expect next month’s congressional hearings on Abdulmutallab to focus on why that process determined that the alleged would-be bomber could keep his visa.

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State Department: Don’t Blame Us for Not Pulling Abdulmutallab’s Visa, Blame NCTC

At the start on 2009, the Democratic governor of New Jersey already lacked the approval ratings to suggest an easy reelection for him in the fall. But few were ready to put money on New Jersey going Republican in November. Despite the state’s Democratic slant and Corzine’s incumbency, experience, personal wealth and campaign visits from just about every major Democratic politician in the country, Corzine lost his seat. Democrats blame the state’s troubled economy for Corzine’s loss, but Republicans point to Corzine’s failure to solve the state’s tax, housing and employment crises. Next — 1. Rod Blagojevich

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2. Jon Corzine

Orissa government says no to CBI enquiry into mining scam Business Standard Elaborating on the measures taken by the government to check illegal mining, he said, a State Level Task Force (SLTF) has been constituted. … and more