The Tonawanda News reports that in 2009 76 people from Western New York were arrested for fraudulently collecting unemployment benefits. These suspects were largely collecting unemployment while also steadily collecting paychecks, taking advantage of the State’s unemployment insurance trust fund.

Each case resulted in an average theft of $4,262.70 according to the report and added up to a total of $323,965 in losses. The majority of the Western New York cases came out of Erie County, where the cost was $220,000.

With unemployment high over the past several years, unemployment fraud has also risen. More and more people think they can slide under the radar with so many cases coming across the desks of the Labor Department.

According to Governor Paterson the state made a unified effort, however, to uncover these cases in 2009. This effort reportedly saved businesses more than $35 million.

White collar crime, like fraud, is quite common and often goes undetected. It is called white collar crime because the core crimes included in this category are typically committed by professional people.

Both fraud and theft are most often committed when a person sees the opportunity for financial gain. Most times the offense is committed when the person thinks they won’t get caught. They often believe their plan is fool proof.

Despite the confidence felt by people who partake in white collar crime, they are being caught more and more as departments establish units committed only to this type of crime. With the evolution of technology, the sophistication of these offenses grows, as does the investigation of them by police.

If you are facing charges of theft, fraud, identity theft, or even bad checks, you may be up against a lengthy prison sentence or a permanent criminal record.

Going up against the state of New York in court can be very intimidating, especially if you are accused of stealing from the state itself. If you are facing charges and need help, call me today for a free consultation.

New York City Police arrested 2 suspects in an alleged ring to defraud Chinese immigrants. The men are accused of claiming they would help get the victim’s relatives green cards, with connections to the US embassy in China, in exchange for thousands of dollars.According to New York Newsday, the defendants are expected to be arraigned in Manhattan on charges of scheming to defraud and grand larceny.

photo credit: kcherif

Relatively poor immigrants who may have immigration status problems themselves are thought to be easy victims by these type of scams. The assumption is that the victims are less likely to call the police for bringing immigration problems upon themselves.

Prosecutors are still uncovering the depth and bredth of the scam, and claim that new victims may be coming forward. They are encouraging anyone with information or who was a victim to come forward, and pledge not to involve immigration if someone is willing to coming forward.