Although the U.S. government postponed its plan last week to vote on a bill that could legalize marijuana use at the federal level, the rapidly growing cannabis business remains alive and well at the state level. There are currently 33 states that have legalized marijuana for medical use, 11 of which have also legalized use […]
According to the Association of Fraud Examiners (ACFE) “2020 Report to the Nations,” a growing number of businesses that fell victim to occupational fraud between 2018 and 2019 disciplined perpetrators privately rather than referring them to public law enforcement for criminal prosecution. Yet, while there has been a steady increase in civil suits and private […]
Posted on June 26, 2020
by
Rick Bazzani
The COVID-19 pandemic has not slowed the pace of financial crimes targeting taxpayers. In fact, the IRS Criminal Investigation division (CI) has noted an increase in coronavirus-related scams seeking to steal taxpayers’ money and personal information. Reducing your risks of falling victim to these schemes requires you to take precautionary measures to secure your data […]
COVID-19 social distancing has upended the logistical functions of nearly all aspects of American governance, including court systems. With courthouses completely or partially shuttered, the courts are rapidly expanding their reliance on remote teleconferencing capabilities and stepping-up their use of technology to keep dockets moving. Members of our firm recently attended a three-day hearing in […]
The CARES Act provides billions of dollars in much-needed financial assistance to millions of U.S. businesses and not-for-profit organizations struggling to survive the economic realities of the COVID-19 pandemic. To apply for and obtain government-backed loans, eligible entities must take special care to understand and abide by all the specific rules applicable to each financial-assistance […]
A recent decision by the U.S District Court Eastern District of Wisconsin to exclude testimony from expert witnesses in a class-action suit represents an important point that legal counsel may forget when engaging damages experts and forensic accountants: do not rely blindly on the qualifications, work product or assumptions of knowledge specialists with whom they […]
Posted on December 23, 2019
by
Adam Cohen
According to the IRS, gift card scams are on the rise as thieves look for new ways to swindle people out of money and/or steal their identities. The best ways to protect yourself from becoming a victim is to stay vigilant, recognize the warning signs, and think before you give away any of your personal […]
Posted on June 26, 2019
by
Jack Winter
Financial crimes against the elderly more than quadrupled between 2013 and 2017, according to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). While anyone can fall prey to these scams, the elderly are typically more at risk. They may be challenged with the Internet of things and using new technology safely, or they may be unfamiliar with […]
Posted on March 19, 2019
by
Joseph Saka
According to the IRS, the 2019 tax-return filing season has been plagued by a surge in fake emails, text messages, websites and social media posting in which criminals attempt to steal taxpayers’ personal information. To protect themselves and avoid becoming victimized, taxpayers must take some basic security steps, remain cautious and stay alert to recognize […]
Posted on December 21, 2018
As you ring in a New Year and prepare for the April tax filing deadline, it is critical you recognize that this season brings with it a heightened risk of identity theft and cyber fraud for which you must take necessary precautions to protect yourself, your businesses and your clients. Criminals are continuously coming up […]
