Baltimore father, son convicted of theft after running Ponzi-like investment scheme

BALTIMORE, MD—Maryland Attorney General Brian E. Frosh on Monday announced the convictions of Eugene Fusting, 79, and Christopher Ian Fusting, 52, of Baltimore relating to their operation of a Ponzi-like investment scheme between 2012 and 2019. Eugene and Christopher Fusting were found guilty of Theft Scheme Over $100,000 and Conspiracy to Commit Theft Scheme Over $100,000 after pleading guilty in […]

Eleven Maryland defendants facing federal charges relating to unemployment fraud scheme with more than $1.6 million in losses

BALTIMORE, MD—A federal grand jury has returned a superseding indictment adding two new defendants to the nine defendants previously charged in relation to a Maryland and California unemployment insurance fraud scheme. The superseding indictment charges the defendants with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, aggravated identity theft, and stealing a post office key. The superseding indictment was returned on […]

FBI Baltimore Division warns of hurricane-related fraud

BALTIMORE, MD—As assessment of the damage caused by Hurricane lan begins, the FBI Baltimore Division is warning the public about the potential for hurricane-related fraud. Authorities say hurricane or natural disaster damage often provides opportunities for criminals to scam storm victims and those who are assisting victims with recovery. Consumers should be aware of scammers posing as representatives of charities […]

Maryland man convicted for his role in $28 million Ponzi scheme

GREENBELT, MD—A federal jury in Maryland has convicted Arley Ray Johnson, 63, of Bowie, on charges of conspiracy, wire fraud, and securities fraud, in connection with a $28 million Ponzi scheme involving 1st Million, a purported wealth management and financial literacy company. Johnson was convicted after a 10-day trial. The conviction was announced by United States Attorney for the District […]

Baltimore County business owner sentenced to prison for fraudulently obtaining federally insured loans

BALTIMORE, MD—A Baltimore County business owner has been sentenced to federal prison for fraudulently obtaining federally insured loans to sell two Baltimore properties he owned. U.S. District Judge Richard D. Bennett sentenced Philip Abramowitz, 50, of Pikesville, to one year in federal prison and one year of home detention, followed by three years of supervised release, for a wire fraud […]

U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials warn of telephone scam

GRAND FORKS ND—A telephone scam is targeting residents nationwide in an attempt to gain banking information from unsuspecting residents. U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents and officers nationwide are continuing to receive numerous calls from residents concerned about unsolicited calls from scammers posing as U.S. Border Patrol agents and U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers. Residents are reporting the calls […]

Baltimore County, Harford County defendants facing charges in alleged scheme involving over $4 million in fraudulent bank transactions

BALTIMORE, MD—A federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging four defendants with conspiracy to commit bank fraud and aggravated identity theft. Charged in the indictment are: Raissa Kaossele, 22, of Baltimore; Damilola Ojo, 29, of Pikesville; Victor Ojo, 28, of Edgewood; Jamelia Thompson, 29, of Pikesville. The indictment was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland […]

Medicare recipients being targeted with ‘free COVID test’ scam

TOWSON, MD—Local officials say scammers have been targeting Medicare recipients with a fake offer to get “free COVID tests.” The scammers are reportedly calling and running websites, as well as online and television ads to try to convince people to give out their Medicare information. Those who give out their information are seeing fraudulent charges being billed to Medicare. The […]