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Financial Services

$12M Scam: Freeport Tax Prep Bought Bling, Caribbean Home In COVID Fraud Scheme $12M Scam: Freeport Tax Prep Bought Bling, Caribbean Home In COVID Fraud Scheme
$12M Scam: Freeport Tax Prep Bought Bling, Caribbean Home In COVID Fraud Scheme A former Long Island tax preparer confessed to running a years-long fraud scheme that cost the government nearly $12 million and exploited COVID-era relief programs. Damaris Beltre, 58, of Freeport, pleaded guilty in Central Islip federal court Wednesday, Jan. 28, to two counts of wire fraud and one count of aiding and assisting in the preparation of false tax returns. Beltre admitted to orchestrating a tax fraud scheme that generated nearly $11 million in improper IRS refunds and separately defrauded the Small Business Administration out of nearly $1 million in fraudulent Paycheck Protecti…
Cash App Makes Group Payments Easier With Apple, Google Pay: Here's How Cash App Makes Group Payments Easier With Apple, Google Pay: Here's How
Cash App Makes Group Payments Easier With Apple, Google Pay: Here's How You can soon pay a friend through Cash App without having an account. Cash App has launched a new group payment feature called pools, the Block-owned app said in a news release on Tuesday, July 29. Organizers can collect money in seconds, even from people who don't use the app, by accepting contributions through Google Pay and Apple Pay. The feature has rolled out to a limited number of users, with wider access expected soon. "Cash App has always made sending money between friends and family feel effortless, and we know that many of our customers already use the platform as a way to c…
$1 Million Fraud: Union City Man Scammed Elderly Victims With Phony Investment Scheme $1 Million Fraud: Union City Man Scammed Elderly Victims With Phony Investment Scheme
$1 Million Fraud: Union City Man Scammed Elderly Victims With Phony Investment Scheme A 60-year-old Union City man was arrested and charged with scamming elderly people out of more than $1 million by misappropriating funds meant to be invested, authorities announced Wednesday, July 16. Antonio Petrosino is charged with wire fraud and money laundering, U.S. Attorney Alina Habba said. From January 2016 through November 2024, Petrosino fraudulently induced the victims to transfer investment funds, mortgage payments, and other money to him, Habba said. As part of his scheme, Petrosino presented himself as a financial services professional to his victims and falsely led them t…
Fairfield Leader Bill Gerber Has Died From Brain Cancer: 'There Is A Gaping Hole In Our Lives' Fairfield Leader Bill Gerber Has Died From Brain Cancer: 'There Is A Gaping Hole In Our Lives'
Fairfield Leader Bill Gerber Has Died From Brain Cancer: 'There Is A Gaping Hole In Our Lives' Fairfield First Selectman Bill Gerber died on Tuesday, July 15, a day after his family announced he was struggling following two brain surgeries at Yale New Haven Hospital within 48 hours to combat a malignant tumor.  His wife Jessica and their children John and Gillian Gerber issued a statement following his untimely passing.  To say that there is now a gaping hole in our lives is an understatement. We are still trying to come to terms with everything that has happened these past two and a half weeks. We are grateful to the friends and family who have helped us during this time …
Chase Boosts Sapphire Reserve Perks, Hikes Annual Fee To $795: Here's What You Get Chase Boosts Sapphire Reserve Perks, Hikes Annual Fee To $795: Here's What You Get
Chase Boosts Sapphire Reserve Perks, Hikes Annual Fee To $795: Here's What You Get Chase is taking its Sapphire Reserve card to a new level as it competes with American Express for luxury credit cardholders. The refreshed Chase Sapphire Reserve card was officially unveiled on Tuesday, June 17. The banking giant also announced the launch of the new Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business card.  Both cards will officially be available on Sunday, June 23. While they're promoting at least $2,500 in annual perks, the cards have a steep $795 annual fee. That fee is 45% higher than when Sapphine Reserve first launched in 2016, CNBC reported. "The new Sapphire Reserv…
J.P. Morgan Opening Luxury Bank In Cambridge To Attract Wealthy Clients: Look Inside (PHOTOS) J.P. Morgan Opening Luxury Bank In Cambridge To Attract Wealthy Clients: Look Inside (PHOTOS)
J.P. Morgan Opening Luxury Bank In Cambridge To Attract Wealthy Clients: Look Inside (Photos) JPMorganChase is catering to wealthier clients with more than a dozen high-end financial centers, including some in the Northeast. The banking giant will open 14 new J.P. Morgan Financial Centers throughout the last week of May, according to a news release on Tuesday, May 27. The luxury banks will be in Massachusetts, New York, California, and Florida. JPMorgan opened two locations in 2024 and plans to reach a total of 31 by the end of 2026. "Through these financial centers, we are redefining how affluent clients are served, offering a highly personalized level of service that is back…
Salesforce Buying Informatica For $8B To Compete In Growing AI Race Salesforce Buying Informatica For $8B To Compete In Growing AI Race
Salesforce Buying Informatica For $8B To Compete In Growing AI Race Salesforce has agreed to buy data management company Informatica for $8 billion, as the software giant aims to increase its presence in the artificial intelligence industry. The tech companies announced the deal in a joint news release on Tuesday, May 27. Informatica shareholders will receive $25 in cash for each share. The agreement will combine Salesforce and Informatica's platforms to create more reliable AI agents powered by clearer, safer, and better-managed data. "This combination brings together Salesforce's Einstein and Informatica's CLAIRE AI engines to forge the ultimate AI-…
Stamford Firm Named No 2 Best Place To Work In Nation Stamford Firm Named No 2 Best Place To Work In Nation
Stamford Firm Named No 2 Best Place To Work In Nation A Connecticut-based financial services company has been named the No. 2 best place to work in the United States, according to a new Fortune survey. Synchrony, a Stamford-based finance and insurance company, earned the honor in Fortune’s annual list of the “100 Best Companies to Work For.” Fortune has compiled the list for 30 years by surveying employees and asking them to rate their workplace across 60 metrics — including the quality of leadership, pay and benefits, coworker relationships, workplace flexibility, employee appreciation, and opportunities for advancement, the outlet said. “I’…
NYers Can Now Report Soaring Drug Prices, Pharmacy Complaints Through New State Program NYers Can Now Report Soaring Drug Prices, Pharmacy Complaints Through New State Program
NYers Can Now Report Soaring Drug Prices, Pharmacy Complaints Through New State Program New Yorkers now have an easier way to report skyrocketing prescription drug prices and pharmacy issues, thanks to a new digital platform. The tool, called DFS Connect, was unveiled Monday, March 17, by the New York State Department of Financial Services (DFS) as part of a push to increase transparency and hold drug manufacturers accountable, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s office said. It will allow residents to file complaints about prescription drug price spikes, particularly if a drug’s cost has risen by more than 50 percent in a year. Small, independent pharmacies can also report unfair business pr…
$3.25M USAA Data Breach Settlement: Here's How To Learn If You Could Get Payout $3.25M USAA Data Breach Settlement: Here's How To Learn If You Could Get Payout
$3.25M Usaa Data Breach Settlement: Here's How To Learn If You Could Get Payout Those affected by a major data breach could get a part of a  settlement worth $3.25 million. If your personal information was compromised, you may be eligible for a payout, but you need to act fast to secure your claim before the deadline. The United Services Automobile Association (USAA), a financial services company dedicated to serving military members, veterans, and their families, has agreed to the nationwide class action lawsuit settlement.  This follows allegations that the company failed to adequately protect personal information during a data breach that occurred in May …
Valley Forge Medicare Offers Expert Guidance For Local Seniors Valley Forge Medicare Offers Expert Guidance For Local Seniors
Valley Forge Medicare Offers Expert Guidance For Local Seniors Valley Forge Medicare, founded by Joseph Ritter, provides tailored Medicare services designed to simplify the complexities of healthcare coverage for Main Line seniors. As a leading expert with nearly two decades of experience, Ritter focuses on helping clients navigate plans and select options that best suit their needs. Say no to Medicare worries and yes to comprehensive coverage today with Valley Forge Medicare. Valley Forge Medicare Located in The Commons at Valley Forge in Phoenixville, the new office offers a convenient setting to discuss a comprehensive approach to planning. R…
Best Bank/Credit Union In Westchester County In 2024: Mid-Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union Best Bank/Credit Union In Westchester County In 2024: Mid-Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union
Best Bank/Credit Union In Westchester County In 2024: Mid-Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union We are thrilled to announce that Mid-Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union's branch in Peekskill has been named Best Bank/Credit Union in Westchester County in the 2024 Daily Voice Readers' Choice Awards! Built on the foundation of empowering members to achieve their financial goals and ensuring everyone has access to the tools and guidance they need to thrive, Mid-Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union has earned a reputation for personalized service and innovative solutions, according to its website. The 2024 Daily Voice Readers' Choice contest to name the Best of the Best in Westche…
Best Bank/Credit Union On Long Island In 2024: Bethpage Federal Credit Union Best Bank/Credit Union On Long Island In 2024: Bethpage Federal Credit Union
Best Bank/Credit Union On Long Island In 2024: Bethpage Federal Credit Union We are thrilled to announce that Bethpage Federal Credit Union, now rebranded as FourLeaf Federal Credit Union, has been named Best Bank/Credit Union on Long Island in the 2024 Daily Voice Readers' Choice Awards! According to its website, Bethpage Federal Credit Union has been serving the Long Island community since 1941. Bethpage Federal Credit Union, now FourLeaf Federal Credit Union, offers a comprehensive suite of financial products and services, including checking and savings accounts, mortgages, loans, and credit cards along with an extensive network of branches and ATMs, per its webs…
Best Bank/Credit Union In The Hudson Valley In 2024: Chase Bank Best Bank/Credit Union In The Hudson Valley In 2024: Chase Bank
Best Bank/Credit Union In The Hudson Valley In 2024: Chase Bank We are thrilled to announce that Chase Bank in Brewster has been named Best Bank/Credit Union in the Hudson Valley in the 2024 Daily Voice Readers' Choice Awards! According to Chase Bank's website, the Brewster branch serves as a financial center for both individuals and businesses, offering accessible banking services and professional financial assistance. This location features three ATMs available around the clock, along with a drive-up banking service and a customer-friendly vestibule for added convenience, per its website. "Chase is a great bank," said Readers' Choice voter Mary Ellen…
Best Bank/Credit Union In Fairfield County In 2024: Fairfield County Bank Best Bank/Credit Union In Fairfield County In 2024: Fairfield County Bank
Best Bank/Credit Union In Fairfield County In 2024: Fairfield County Bank We are thrilled to announce that Fairfield County Bank on New Canaan Ave. in Norwalk has been named the Best Bank/Credit Union in Fairfield County in the 2024 Daily Voice Readers' Choice Awards! According to its website, Fairfield County Bank has been a cornerstone of the community since 1871, growing into a $1.9 billion financial institution with multiple locations across the county. The bank takes pride in offering a full suite of banking services while prioritizing strong customer relationships, per its website. The 2024 Daily Voice Readers' Choice contest to name the Best of th…
Best Financial Advisor In Fairfield County In 2024: Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors Best Financial Advisor In Fairfield County In 2024: Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors
Best Financial Advisor In Fairfield County In 2024: Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors We are thrilled to announce that Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors in Stamford has been named Best Financial Advisor in Fairfield County in the 2024 Daily Voice Readers' Choice Awards! The Stamford branch offers a comprehensive range of financial services, including retirement planning, investment management, insurance services, legacy and succession planning, cash flow maintenance, and next-generation education, according to its website. The 2024 Daily Voice Readers' Choice contest to name the Best of the Best in Fairfield County began with reader nominations in October and ended wi…
Lansdale Native Injured In Deadly New Orleans Attack That Killed Former Teammate Lansdale Native Injured In Deadly New Orleans Attack That Killed Former Teammate
Lansdale Native Injured In Deadly New Orleans Attack That Killed Former Teammate Ryan Quigley, a 2020 Princeton University graduate and former classmate and coworker of Tiger Bech, was injured in the deadly New Orleans pickup truck attack early Wednesday, Jan. 1. Quigley, a Lansdale Catholic High School graduate from the Class of 2016, was hospitalized following the attack, which claimed at least 15 lives, including Bech’s, in New Orleans’ French Quarter. Quigley and Bech both worked at Seaport Global Holdings LLC, a financial services firm in New York, and had remained close since their time at Princeton. Ryan Quigley Facebook/Ryan Quigley @ryan.quigley.3…
Nissan, Honda Eye Potential Merger Nissan, Honda Eye Potential Merger
Nissan, Honda Eye Potential Merger Two of the world's biggest automakers may soon become one. Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. and Honda Motor Co., Ltd. have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to discuss a potential merger aimed at revolutionizing the future of mobility and electrification.  Announced on Monday, Dec. 23, the goal is to establish a joint holding company that could significantly impact the automotive landscape, and potentially make the combined corporation the world's third-largest auto manufacturer. The merger aims to accelerate initiatives for carbon neutrality and zero traffic fatalities by pooling reso…
New Fitness Trend Stretches Into Nanuet New Fitness Trend Stretches Into Nanuet
New Fitness Trend Stretches Into Nanuet If you need a good stretch, a new business coming to the Hudson Valley can help. StretchLab, an assisted stretching franchise, will host a grand opening for its first studio in Rockland County in Nanuet on Friday, Oct. 25, and Saturday, Oct. 26.  Located at 17 N Middletown Road, the studio will introduce people of all ages and fitness levels to the health and wellness benefits of working with flexologists in a modern and approachable environment. Nanuet entrepreneur Sagar Pendse owns the new business. Before his journey into business ownership, Pendse had worked in financial services …
Disbarred NJ Attorney Admits To Ponzi Scheme That Cost Investors $1 Million: Feds Disbarred NJ Attorney Admits To Ponzi Scheme That Cost Investors $1 Million: Feds
Disbarred NJ Attorney Admits To Ponzi Scheme That Cost Investors $1 Million: Feds A 61-year-old Hillsborough resident pleaded guilty on Wednesday, Oct. 9 to running a Ponzi-like wire fraud scheme that caused losses of more than $1 million, authorities said. Lawrence Coven, who had previously been disbarred as an attorney, operated and controlled Sunrise Enterprises LLC, which purported to provide financial services to investors, US Attorney Philip Sellinger said.  In reality, Coven induced investors into sending him funds by falsely representing that he would invest their money through Sunrise in exchange for large profits by providing short-term loans to borrowers …
Goldman Sachs To Fire Over 1,300 Workers, Report Says Goldman Sachs To Fire Over 1,300 Workers, Report Says
Goldman Sachs To Fire Over 1,300 Workers, Report Says New York City-based multinational investment bank and financial services company Goldman Sachs plans to lay off over 1,300 employees, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal. The move is part of an annual review process that culls low performers, the report said, noting the numbers of those getting fired may wind up being as high as 1,800 out of the company's global workforce of around 45,000. The layoffs have already started and will continue through the fall, according to the report. Click here to read the complete Wall Street Journal report.
Lancaster-Based Fulton Bank Closing Branches In PA, NY, NJ Lancaster-Based Fulton Bank Closing Branches In PA, NY, NJ
Lancaster-Based Fulton Bank Closing Branches In PA, NY, NJ Lancaster-based Fulton Bank is closing branches across Pennsylvania, New York, and New Jersey, according to a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission dated Thursday, July 18, and the locations were confirmed to Daily Voice on Thursday, July 25.  The closures at the following Fulton Bank branches will happen on or around November 22, 2024: 1701 John F Kennedy Blvd, Philadelphia, PA. 1220 N. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA. 8000 Frankford Avenue, Philadelphia, PA. 2100 Street Road, Bensalem, PA. 1460 East Route 70, Cherry Hill, NJ. 514 North Kings Highway, Cherry Hil…
$2M Scheme: 3 NYers Among 4 Nabbed For Defrauding Company, Feds Say $2M Scheme: 3 NYers Among 4 Nabbed For Defrauding Company, Feds Say
$2M Scheme: 3 NYers Among 4 Nabbed For Defrauding Company, Feds Say Four men have been accused of creating hundreds of fictitious brokerage accounts in defrauding a financial services company of more than $2 million. They have pleaded guilty in federal court in Central Islip to money laundering conspiracy in connection with the scheme involving the global financial services firm based in Menlo Park, California, which is located near San Francisco. Three of the four are Long Island residents: Edward Hernandez, also known as “Ghost,” age 33, of Lindenhurst; Christopher Flagg, also known as “Venus," age 28, of Copiague; Daquan Lloyd, also…
$2M Fraud Scheme: Long Island Trio Steals Millions From Financial Services Company, Feds Say $2M Fraud Scheme: Long Island Trio Steals Millions From Financial Services Company, Feds Say
$2M Fraud Scheme: Long Island Trio Steals Millions From Financial Services Company, Feds Say Three Long Island men are among several people accused in an elaborate scheme to defraud a financial services company out of millions. An indictment unsealed in Central Islip federal court on Tuesday, Oct. 31, charges four men with conspiring to commit securities fraud and money laundering. The following Suffolk County residents are named in the indictment: Christopher Flagg (aka “Venus”), age 28, of Copiague Daquan Lloyd (aka “Payday”), age 29, of Copiague Eduardo Hernandez (aka “Ghost”), age 33, of Lindenhurst According to prosecutors, the group created hundreds of sham brokerage accoun…
Heard But Not Seen: Nigerian National Nabbed In $250,000 Audiobooks Scheme, NJ Feds Say Heard But Not Seen: Nigerian National Nabbed In $250,000 Audiobooks Scheme, NJ Feds Say
Heard But Not Seen: Nigerian National Nabbed In $250,000 Audiobooks Scheme, NJ Feds Say A Nigerian national living in Bangladesh contracted with more than 600 voice actors to produce audiobooks of written works that he didn't hold the rights to, federal authorities in New Jersey charged. Anyanwu Benjamin Chizitere, 30, of Enugu, Nigeria, was part of a group that collected more than $250,000 by infringing on the copyright of a Newark-based company and its authors, U.S. Attorney for New Jersey Philip R. Sellinger said. Chizitere worked for a financial services business that provided online money transfer and digital payment services to the company, the U.S. attorney said. He po…
$1.5M Embezzlement Case: Fairfield Woman Who Served As CFO Sentenced $1.5M Embezzlement Case: Fairfield Woman Who Served As CFO Sentenced
$1.5M Embezzlement Case: Fairfield Woman Who Served As CFO Sentenced The former chief executive officer for a Fairfield County company will serve the next two years in prison after pleading guilty to embezzling $1.5 million, federal authorities said. She used the money on vacations, luxury cars, jewelry, and a time-share condominium, the prosecutor said.  Carolina Guerreno, age 50, of the Town of Fairfield, pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud last year and has agreed to reimburse her former company, the US Attorney General for Connecticut said. She has repaid $400,000 so far, officials said.  Guerreno worked at a financial services company in…
Former Long Island Investment Adviser Accused Of Stealing $400K From Clients Former Long Island Investment Adviser Accused Of Stealing $400K From Clients
Former Long Island Investment Adviser Accused Of Stealing $400K From Clients A Long Island man has been arrested and charged with allegedly defrauding his former clients of more than $400,000 that he used to pay his personal debts and expenses, including casino gambling debts and credit card bills. Apostolos Pitsironis, age 52, of Dix Hills, a former registered investment advisor, and broker, was arrested on Wednesday, Feb. 10 in Dix Hills, said Seth D. DuCharme, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York. In approximately 2009, Pitsironis, who worked in the Melville office of a financial services firm, began managing the investments of a married…
Nassau County CIO Sentenced To Federal Prison In $1.14 Million Bribe Scheme Nassau County CIO Sentenced To Federal Prison In $1.14 Million Bribe Scheme
Nassau County CIO Sentenced To Federal Prison In $1.14 Million Bribe Scheme A Roslyn man was sentenced Friday to a plea-bargained two years in federal prison for demanding bribes from the owner of two New Jersey IT staffing firms to get contracts from a Texas financial services company. Mark Berger, 59, must serve all of the sentence handed down by a U.S. District Court judge in Trenton, New Jersey. There’s no parole in the federal prison system. Berger was the chief information officer of SWBC, a financial services company based in Texas, with "the ability and authority to hire certain companies to perform work," U.S. Attorney for New Jersey Craig Carpenito said. …
Union City Finance Adviser Admits Ripping Off Elderly Clients Union City Finance Adviser Admits Ripping Off Elderly Clients
Union City Finance Adviser Admits Ripping Off Elderly Clients A Union City man pleaded guilty in a half-million dollar fraud involving financial services clients he was supposed to be working for, the U.S. Attorney's Office said.  Ramon Herrera, 36, pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud and faces up to 20 years in prison when he's sentenced in February, authorities also said.  From May 2015 to early 2018, Herrera, who worked as a broker and financial adviser, met with and obtained confidential information from clients in and around Hudson County. The clients were mostly elderly, spoke only Spanish, or both, authorities said.  Herre…
Wells Fargo To Pay States $575M To Resolve Customer Ripoff Claims: NJ, NY, CT Get $34M Wells Fargo To Pay States $575M To Resolve Customer Ripoff Claims: NJ, NY, CT Get $34M
Wells Fargo To Pay States $575M To Resolve Customer Ripoff Claims: NJ, NY, CT Get $34M Wells Fargo Bank has agreed to pay $575 million – including more than $34 million combined to New Jersey, New York and Connecticut – to settle charges that it engaged in a variety of sales, lending, and other improper business practices for more than a decade. The bank also has agreed to pay more than $385 million to 850,000 auto finance customers who were wrongly charged premiums, interest, and fees for forced-place collateral protection insurance, even though they already had the coverage. That includes payments to more than 51,000 customers whose cars were repossessed, according to the m…
Cuomo Goes National In Battle Against NRA Cuomo Goes National In Battle Against NRA
Cuomo Goes National In Battle Against NRA The National Rifle Association, the nation's top pro-gun lobby and one of its most powerful interest groups, said regulatory efforts by Gov. Andrew Cuomo of New Castle could make it “unable to exist as a not-for-profit or pursue its advocacy mission." Cuomo, on Twitter, responded: "If I could have put the @NRA out of business, I would have done it 20 years ago. I'll see you in court." In a July 20 amended complaint, first reported by the New York Law Journal, the NRA accused Cuomo, as well as state Department of Financial Services Superintendent Maria Vullo, of issuing a “ser…