Salem-News.com Fraud-tips articles

Two Gresham Men Sentenced to Federal Prison for Defrauding Investors of $2.5 Million

Instead of using investor money as promised, Holbrook and Arauz diverted it for their own personal use.

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - 37-year old Theodore B. Holbrook and 45-year old George J. Arauz, Jr., both of Gresham, Oregon, were sentenced today to 36 months in federal prison for defrauding 50 investors of nearly $2.5 million using a sham energy technology start-up company.

Holbrook and Arauz were also ordered to pay more than $2.3 million each in restitution and will be on supervised release for three years after completing their prison sentences.

Oregon Used Car Buyers Urged to Check for Storm Damage

Water-damaged vehicles may be sold to unwary buyers

(SALEM, Ore.) - Vehicles in this active hurricane season can make their way across the country to Oregon and put up for sale as undamaged vehicles.

Sometimes buyers are aware a vehicle was damaged in some way, but they may be unaware the damage was caused by flooding. Often buyers discover the vehicle history when they receive a new title with a “flood damage” brand or “totaled” brand.

Seniors Most Vulnerable to Fraud and Financial Crimes

Report serious incidences to local law enforcement and file complaints with your state's Attorney General's Office.

(SALEM, Ore. ) - The stories are heartbreaking. Grandmothers and grandfathers who are abused, neglected and financially exploited.

Sunday is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.

Leading Consumer Group Warns of Disturbing Trends

Imposter, Romance and Payday Loan Scams Show Staggering Increases

(LAKE OSWEGO) - Whether it’s someone posing as a relative in need or a desperate lover in distress, imposter scam complaint numbers continue to climb.

In 2013, the Consumer Sentinel Network collected more than two million consumer complaints from the Federal Trade Commission, Better Business Bureaus and many other agencies to create its Data Book.

Better Business Bureau Helps Prevent Medical ID Theft

To protect Oregonians, Better Business Bureau presents BBB Secure Your ID Day—which will offer free document shredding and cell phone recycling.

(LAKE OSWEGO) - According to the Medical Identity Fraud Alliance, medical identity theft increased nearly 20 percent in 2013 and affected approximately 1.84 million victims in the United States—who paid more than $12 billion in out-of-pocket costs.

Statistics still indicate that a majority of identity theft occurs by physical means—like dumpster diving and mail theft—and properly destroying sensitive personal documents is extremely important.

Afghan Election Complaints Commission Warns Of Fraud

The leading candidates have all complained of fraud in the April 5 vote, which is meant to usher in Afghanistan's first democratic transfer of power.

(KABUL Radio Free Europe) - The head of Afghanistan’s Independent Election Complaints Commission says last week's presidential vote may have suffered a significant degree of fraud. Abdul Satar Sadaat told a news conference in Kabul on April 9: "I want to say election fraud did take place and it might not have been a small amount."

The commission reported on April 8 that more than 3,000 complaints of violations, with more expected as ballot boxes arrive from the provinces.

Judge Judy: You`re Ridiculous

Sources reveal that Judge Judy is crooked and has been scamming the public for years...

(SALEM) - Americans are often defined as "ugly" to people the world over, and there is perhaps no bigger example of the Ugly American than this extremely obnoxious TV judge who fuels her performance with arrogance, hate and disdain.

The bottom line is that she is no example for our children.

Wells Fargo Uses Court Fraud to Seize Woman`s Home

"I am now homeless, and Wells Fargo has my house listed for sale for more than $400,000 over the price they supposedly 'paid' for it."

(WOODLAND HILLS, CA) - In an FBI press release, U.S. Attorney Melinda Haag was quoted as saying, “This office will vigorously prosecute people who intentionally submit false and misleading information in federal bankruptcy proceedings.”

On February 27, 2012, Marisol Nagata, Esq., submitted, on behalf of her client, Wells Fargo, a stipulation with false statements. Will the FBI prosecute Wells Fargo as vigorously as it prosecuted the people referenced in its press release?

Good Samaritan Interrupts Suspected Financial Elder Abuse

If you have seen suspect Jacki Lynn Newman, a 47 year old white female who stands 5'3" and weighs 120 pounds, or know of her whereabouts, please contact the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office.

(SANDY OR) - An insurance agent acted as a Good Samaritan earlier this year, and interrupted a devastating case of financial elder abuse and identity theft, in which a suspect was allegedly draining an elderly Sandy woman's bank account.

In June 2013, insurance agent Cody Giusto, 27, of Sandy, decided to act.

Protect Yourself From Scams This Holiday Season

Remember, consumer protection begins with an alert, careful consumer. Happy holidays.

(SAN FRANCISCO) - As a former Federal Trade Commission attorney and currently a volunteer for Consumer Action and Seven On Your Side, the consumer hotline for ABC-TV Channel 7, I have heard a wide range of scams that separated unsuspecting consumers from their money, especially during the holiday season.

Below are a number of scams consumers should be aware of and things consumers can do to protect themselves.