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Case Studies

Discover Real Fraud Cases and Their Consequences

COVID-19 Fund Embezzlement - $1.7M

A Long Island resident embezzled more than $1.7 million in pandemic relief funds to finance a luxurious lifestyle. This case perfectly illustrates the serious consequences of public fund embezzlement.

48 months federal prison

Full restitution required

Permanent criminal record

Bank Account Hacking - $800K

Several individuals orchestrated a sophisticated banking fraud targeting business accounts. This case demonstrates the crucial importance of cybersecurity for SMEs.

5 years imprisonment

$800,000 restitution

Banking access ban

Guaranteed Fake Green Cards - $350K

Fraudsters exploited the vulnerability of immigrant families by promising "guaranteed green cards" for thousands of dollars. A crucial reminder to verify any immigration promise.

Multiple arrests

Practice ban

Victims partially reimbursed

Fake Scholarships - $200K

A criminal organization targeted students with false scholarship promises, collecting application fees and banking information. This fraud highlights the vulnerability of young people.

3 years firm prison

Ban on student contact

Electronic surveillance

Official Resources

Report a Scam to Official Authorities

WakeUp Initiative is not a government agency and does not investigate cases. If you are a victim of fraud, identity theft, or financial crime, please report directly to the appropriate official authorities through the resources below.

🏛

Federal Trade Commission (FTC)

Fraud & Consumer Scams

📞 1-877-382-4357

🌐 ReportFraud.ftc.gov
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FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center

Cybercrime & Online Fraud

🌐 ic3.gov
👵

U.S. DOJ – Elder Fraud Hotline

Protection des seniors

📞 1-833-372-8311

🌐 justice.gov
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U.S. Postal Inspection Service

Mail Fraud & Postal Scams

📞 1-877-876-2455 (opt 4)

🌐 uspis.gov/report
🆔

Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC)

Identity Theft Support

📞 1-888-400-5530

🌐 idtheftcenter.org
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National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF)

COVID-19 & Disaster Scams

📞 1-866-720-5721

🌐 justice.gov/disaster-fraud