Telemedicine and Fraud: A Double-Edged Sword
June 11, 2025 | JacobiJournal.com – As telemedicine reshapes healthcare access, it also presents new opportunities for fraud. While virtual care provides convenience and continuity for patients, bad actors exploit its digital nature to commit large-scale schemes. From fake billing to identity theft, the risks are growing—and healthcare professionals must stay alert. The Rise of Telehealth and Its Challenges Telemedicine surged during the pandemic, making healthcare more accessible for millions. However, this rapid adoption also left gaps that fraudsters eagerly filled. They used stolen identities, fake provider credentials, and inflated claims to siphon funds from government programs like Medicare and Medicaid. Red Flags in Remote Care Fraudsters have grown more sophisticated. Some create fictitious clinics that never see patients but still bill for services. Others submit claims for expensive tests or procedures that never occurred. Additionally, providers have reported instances where patients were billed for telehealth visits they never scheduled. Enforcement Agencies Step In Thankfully, government watchdogs have increased enforcement efforts. Agencies like the Department of Justice and the Office of Inspector General are investigating and prosecuting telehealth fraud more aggressively. Still, many schemes remain undetected, costing taxpayers billions. What Healthcare Organizations Can Do To stay ahead of fraud, healthcare organizations must implement robust compliance programs. Regular audits, identity verification, and secure digital platforms help reduce the risk. Moreover, training staff to recognize unusual billing or patient activity strengthens the first line of defense. A Call for Balanced Innovation Ultimately, telemedicine offers undeniable benefits—but it must evolve with fraud prevention in mind. As the industry grows, so must the systems that protect it. With proper safeguards, healthcare providers can embrace innovation while keeping fraud at bay. 🔎 Read More from JacobiJournal.com:
FTX Investor Lawsuit Narrowed Against Tom Brady, Steph Curry
May 9, 2025 | JacobiJournal.com – Miami, FL – FTX Investor Lawsuit: A federal judge has narrowed but not dismissed a lawsuit that seeks to hold celebrities like Tom Brady, Stephen Curry, and Shohei Ohtani accountable for promoting the failed cryptocurrency platform FTX. The investors allege that the celebrity endorsers ignored red flags and secretly accepted millions to serve as FTX brand ambassadors. They claim these actions amounted to a civil conspiracy to defraud customers. Most Claims Dismissed, But Key Allegations Survive On May 8, U.S. District Judge K. Michael Moore dismissed 12 of 14 claims, finding the investors failed to show the celebrities knew FTX was a fraudulent operation. He ruled that accepting payment alone does not prove conspiracy. However, the judge let two claims survive. He found it plausible under Florida law that the defendants helped FTX sell unregistered securities. A related Oklahoma claim was also allowed to proceed. These remaining claims rely on strict liability statutes, which do not require proof of intent or knowledge of wrongdoing. Celebrity Endorsers Still Facing Legal Pressure The lawsuit continues against several high-profile figures, including: Plaintiffs say these endorsers misled the public by promoting FTX without disclosing their compensation or performing proper due diligence. Investors Plan to Expand Lawsuit Adam Moskowitz, who represents the investors, called the ruling a win. He announced plans to file an amended complaint that could include Major League Baseball and Formula 1 Racing as new defendants. Some celebrities, including Shaquille O’Neal and Trevor Lawrence, have already settled. Background: FTX’s Fall and Bankman-Fried’s Conviction FTX Investor Lawsuit: FTX filed for bankruptcy in November 2022. In October 2023, a judge approved a plan to repay customers. Founder Sam Bankman-Fried was convicted of fraud and sentenced to 25 years in prison, though he is currently appealing. The case is being heard in the Southern District of Florida under the title:In re FTX Cryptocurrency Exchange Collapse Litigation, No. 23-md-03076. Source ⚖️ Why It MattersThis case shows that celebrities who promote financial products—especially unregistered securities—may face legal consequences, even if they claim ignorance. It also signals stricter accountability in how influencers promote digital assets. 🔎 Read More from JacobiJournal.com: 📬 Stay InformedSubscribe to JacobiJournal.com for breaking updates on financial fraud litigation, celebrity liability, and regulatory trends shaping white-collar enforcement.
Fired State Employees Exposed Personal Data of 33K Texans
May 1, 2025 | JacobiJournal.com – AUSTIN, TX – Fired State Employees Exposed Personal Data of 33K Texans: Late Wednesday, the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) notified 33,529 recipients of state benefits that fired state employees had improperly accessed their private information. This latest announcement follows an ongoing investigation into breaches involving state employees who accessed Medicaid, food stamp, and other assistance programs’ data. Three months ago, the agency notified 61,104 Texans about the breach of their personal information by state employees. Seven employees were fired at that time, including two who had stolen from recipients’ food stamp cards. State Employees Involved in Data Breaches In February, HHSC notified lawmakers that two more employees had been fired, raising the total to nine employees who accessed individuals’ accounts without legitimate reasons. These employees are now responsible for breaching the personal data of another 33,529 account holders who applied for or received assistance between June 2021 and January 2025. HHSC has not yet determined how many of those individuals had their benefits compromised. Fired State Employees Exposed Personal Data of 33K Texans Recommendations for Affected Texans HHSC urges affected individuals to carefully review their accounts and examine statements from health care providers, insurance companies, and financial institutions to ensure that their account activity is correct. They should report any questionable charges to the respective provider and notify law enforcement promptly. The agency recommends that Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients check their Lone Star Card transactions for fraudulent activity. Individuals can do this by visiting YourTexasBenefits.com or using the mobile app. If they suspect SNAP fraud, they should call 2-1-1, select a language, and choose option 3 to report the fraud to the Texas Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General. Affected individuals should also contact law enforcement and visit a local HHSC benefits office to replace their stolen benefits. Details of the Breach and Available Resources HHSC reports that the compromised data includes full names, addresses, phone numbers, dates of birth, email addresses, Social Security numbers, Medicaid and Medicare identification numbers, and other personal information. The agency offers two years of free credit monitoring and identity theft protection services to those affected. Individuals can also call 866-362-1773, using engagement number B139792, for further assistance. Contractor Employee Terminated Over Improper Access HHSC has notified one of its contractors, Maximus, about an employee suspected of misusing personal data from HHSC’s systems. Maximus terminated the employee for improperly accessing protected health information of Texans enrolled in state benefits between May 8, 2023, and February 28, 2025. The HHSC Office of the Inspector General is conducting an investigation into these data breaches. For more information, visit the Texas Tribune. 🔎 Read More from JacobiJournal.com: Stay Informed with JacobiJournal.com Get the latest updates on workers’ compensation fraud and other critical industry news. Stay ahead by reading more insightful articles and case analyses on JacobiJournal.com!
San Diego Construction Firm Penalized $157K for Deadly Trench Collapse
San Diego, CA – The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) fined W.A. Rasic Construction, a San Diego construction firm, $157,500 for multiple violations of safety regulations. This fine follows a fatal trench collapse on August 28, 2024, in which an employee tragically lost their life while working in an unprotected excavation. What Happened: Fatal Trench Collapse in San Diego On August 28, 2024, at around 3:00 a.m., a worker was inside a 17-foot-deep trench at the construction site when the trench suddenly collapsed. The collapse displaced a concrete pipe, pinning the worker and causing fatal injuries. Cal/OSHA’s investigation revealed several serious violations related to excavation and trench safety. Cal/OSHA Findings: Serious Violations at the San Diego Construction Site Several critical safety violations contributed to the fatal incident: Cal/OSHA Chief’s Statement Cal/OSHA Chief Debra Lee emphasized the importance of enforcing safety regulations: “No worker should lose their life due to preventable safety failures. We will continue to enforce trench safety rules and hold employers accountable.” Workers’ Rights and Employer Appeals Employers, including San Diego construction firms, have the right to appeal any Cal/OSHA citation. Appeals must be filed within 15 working days. For further details, visit the Cal/OSHA Appeals Page. Additionally, workers, regardless of immigration status, are protected under Cal/OSHA regulations. They can file confidential complaints with Cal/OSHA’s district offices if they encounter any safety hazards.
Florida Grand Jury Finds No Criminal Activity in COVID Vaccine Development, but Raises Concerns
COVID Vaccine Development: A Florida grand jury, convened at the request of Governor Ron DeSantis, has found no criminal wrongdoing in the development of COVID-19 vaccines. The grand jury’s report, unsealed on Tuesday, concluded there was no evidence of criminal activity. However, it did raise significant concerns about the process of vaccine development and safety monitoring in the U.S. Key Findings and Policy RecommendationsWhile the grand jury did not uncover criminal actions, it highlighted serious issues with the vaccine process. As a result, the grand jury recommended increasing transparency in clinical trials and banning pharmaceutical advertisements. The CDC has defended the COVID-19 vaccines, emphasizing that they underwent rigorous safety checks. Even after FDA approval, these vaccines continue to be closely monitored to ensure safety. Public health experts note that the vaccines are effective in preventing severe disease, hospitalization, and death, with only rare serious side effects. DeSantis Requested Investigation Ahead of Presidential BidGovernor DeSantis initiated the investigation in 2022, aiming to challenge pandemic restrictions and gain national attention. He suggested that the probe could help hold wrongdoers accountable and provide more information from pharmaceutical companies on the vaccines and their potential side effects. Florida’s statewide grand juries typically focus on criminal activities and systemic issues, often issuing policy recommendations. Past investigations have addressed topics like immigration and school safety. For more details on the Florida grand jury’s findings and COVID vaccine development, visit Jacobi Journal. You can also read the original report from AP News.
Faith-Based Fund with $24 Billion in Assets Influences Corporate Policies in America
Jim Lake (Photo by Margaret Albaugh/Bloomberg) Faith-Based Fund. Jim Lake, a devout Christian from Washington state, recently redefined his investment strategy. Guided by a financial adviser, he moved his portfolio into faith-oriented funds, including those managed by GuideStone Funds. This Texas-based firm, founded over 100 years ago, manages about $24 billion in assets and serves primarily Southern Baptist retirees. It has also gained traction among new faith-driven investors like Lake and his wife. The Rise of Faith-Based Investment Coalitions GuideStone is part of a growing coalition of conservative Christian investors. These investors are using their shareholder influence to challenge corporate practices, such as supporting Pride events or reimbursing employees for abortion-related travel. They are also confronting banks accused of closing accounts based on political or religious views. Will Lofland, who leads shareholder advocacy at GuideStone, estimates that half a trillion dollars are invested in conservative faith-based funds. This influence extends across private funds, state pension funds, and more. Key players in this coalition include Inspire Investing, the leading faith-based ETF manager, as well as Republican state treasurers and organizations like Alliance Defending Freedom. Faith-Based Fund The Growth of Faith-Based Funds While faith-driven investing has been around for decades, conservative faith-based funds are gaining momentum. This trend has been fueled by the rightward shift in U.S. politics and a growing resistance to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. More everyday investors are showing interest in faith-based funds. Tim Macready of Brightlight, an advisory firm, notes that assets in these funds surpassed $100 billion last year. Over three years, net inflows grew by 12%. Inspire Investing alone saw a net gain of $334 million in assets last year. GuideStone’s Advocacy and Future Plans GuideStone has expanded its role beyond managing Baptist church pensions. The firm is now actively engaging in shareholder advocacy. As progressive groups have ramped up shareholder proposals, GuideStone has voted its shares to reflect its values. In late 2023, GuideStone supported a proposal asking Microsoft to report on compensation gaps related to reproductive and gender dysphoria care. Although the proposal received only 1% of votes, Lofland stressed the importance of building a larger coalition to increase their influence. Looking ahead, GuideStone plans to focus on the issue of “debanking” in 2025. This refers to the practice of financial institutions closing customer accounts based on perceived risks related to legal or reputational concerns. GuideStone intends to press financial institutions on this issue to protect religious freedoms in the financial sector. For more in-depth analysis of faith-based investing and its impact on corporate America, visit JacobiJournal.com. Additional information on this topic can be found in the original report by Bloomberg.
Former Sewerage & Water Board Employee Arrested for Workers’ Compensation Fraud
The Louisiana Bureau of Investigation (LBI), under Attorney General Liz Murrill, has arrested Ederik Trask, a former employee of the Sewerage & Water Board of New Orleans. Trask, who resides in Metairie, is accused of workers’ compensation fraud. Specifically, he allegedly misrepresented his employment status while receiving benefits. Complaint and Investigation On August 27, 2024, the Sewerage & Water Board formally complained to the LBI, alleging fraudulent activity by Trask. Investigators soon discovered that Trask had been working for a rideshare company while collecting workers’ compensation benefits. This dual employment, however, violates Louisiana law, which mandates truthful reporting for benefit claims. Sewerage & Water Board Employee Legal Action Taken by Sewerage & Water Board After gathering sufficient evidence, LBI Special Agents quickly obtained an arrest warrant for Trask. He is now charged under Louisiana Revised Statute 23:1208 C.1, which forbids false statements about claims exceeding $10,000. Subsequently, on December 20, 2024, Trask surrendered at the Orleans Parish Jail. There, authorities arrested and booked him without any issues. Ongoing Investigation The investigation is ongoing, as authorities continue to examine the details surrounding the alleged fraud. Meanwhile, the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office emphasizes its commitment to holding individuals accountable for abusing public resources. Consequently, they are determined to maintain the integrity of the workers’ compensation system. For updates and in-depth reporting on similar cases, visit Jacobi Journal.
Lifetime-Banned Fraudster Faces New Charges in $100M Workers’ Compensation Scheme
Lifetime-Banned Fraudster: In a stunning development, a man previously banned from California’s workers’ compensation system for life has been charged with orchestrating a fraud scheme that racked up nearly $100 million in fraudulent claims. David Fish, alongside a San Diego-based neurosurgeon and two other alleged co-conspirators, faces 13 felony counts, including insurance fraud and conspiracy. The Alleged Scheme Lifetime-Banned Fraudster: David Fish, 55, of Laguna Niguel, collaborated with Martin Brill, 78, Robert Lee, 61, and Dr. Vrijesh Tantuwaya to form Southern California Injured Workers (SCIW), a management company providing medical services. They also created a medical group, Injured Workers Medical Group, where Dr. Tantuwaya acted as CEO. Through this network, SCIW reportedly steered patient referrals to a limited group of providers who agreed to pay illegal referral fees. These services ranged from diagnostic testing to prescriptions from compound pharmacies. Between 2020 and 2023, the defendants allegedly billed workers’ compensation insurers close to $100 million, funneling profits from unlawful referrals back into the network. Charges and Potential Penalties The Orange County District Attorney’s Office charged the group following a three-year investigation. The 13 felony counts include violations of labor laws, conspiracy statutes, and insurance fraud regulations. If convicted: Deputy District Attorney Kelly Albright of the Insurance Fraud Unit is leading the prosecution. Ongoing Issues in Workers’ Compensation This case highlights the challenges California’s workers’ compensation system faces in combating fraud. Illegal schemes not only drain resources but also harm injured workers who depend on the system for proper medical care and fair compensation. For more insights into legal developments and their implications, visit JacobiJournal.com. Source: Orange County District Attorney’s Office Read more from the official source here.
West Haven Recovers $1 Million in Stolen COVID Relief Funds
Stolen COVID Relief Funds: The city of West Haven, Connecticut, has secured more than $1 million in reimbursement from its insurance provider after two city employees embezzled federal pandemic relief funds three years ago. Swift Action Leads to Recovery of the Stolen COVID Relief Funds Former state Rep. Michael DiMassa and John Bernardo orchestrated a scheme that defrauded West Haven taxpayers of $1.2 million. In response, Mayor Dorinda Borer acted swiftly to recover the stolen COVID-19 funds, which resulted in a $1.2 million settlement with The Hartford Financial Services Group. According to The Hartford’s fidelity crime claims division, after subtracting the $79,177.98 received in court-ordered restitution and a $100,000 deductible, the insurance will cover a net loss of $1,037,363.82. “This is a huge victory for our taxpayers,” Mayor Borer stated. Details of the Fraud Authorities arrested DiMassa, 32, on October 20, 2021, and he pleaded guilty on November 1, 2022, to three counts of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. In May 2023, a court sentenced him to 27 months in prison, followed by five years of supervised release. Additionally, he must perform 100 hours of community service and pay $856,844.45 in restitution. Similarly, Bernardo pleaded guilty on June 14, 2022, to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. By March 2023, he received a 13-month prison sentence and was ordered to pay $58,927.25 in restitution. How the Schemes Unfolded DiMassa, serving as an administrative assistant to the West Haven City Council, had the authority to approve COVID-19 relief funds for reimbursement. Between July 2020 and September 2021, West Haven received $1,150,257 in CARES Act funds. Exploiting this role, DiMassa submitted fraudulent invoices for services and goods that were never provided. One scheme involved Compass Investment Group, LLC, a company DiMassa formed with Bernardo. They fraudulently billed the city $636,783.70 for consulting services that were never performed. Court documents revealed that DiMassa withdrew large sums of cash from the Compass account, which he used for gambling at Mohegan Sun Casino. Moreover, DiMassa conspired with his wife, Lauren DiMassa, to submit fake invoices for a youth violence prevention program. Lauren collected $147,776.10 for services she never delivered. She pleaded guilty on July 14, 2022, and received a six-month prison sentence along with a restitution order for the full amount. In another scheme, DiMassa partnered with John Trasacco, using fraudulent invoices from two companies, L&H Company and JIL Sanitation Services. They received $431,982 for bogus services, including work on a vacant school building. A jury found Trasacco guilty in December 2022, and he was sentenced to 96 months in prison with a restitution order of $143,994. Investigation and Legal Outcomes The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development led the investigation. Attorneys from the office of Vanessa Roberts Avery, U.S. Attorney for the District of Connecticut, prosecuted the case. For more news on legal and government accountability, visit JacobiJournal.com. Source: U.S. Department of Justice Read the official release here.
OSHA Targets New Jersey Contractor with $328K Fine for Fall Hazards
Alleged Repeat Fall Hazards Found at Three Worksites The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has issued significant penalties to RRC Home Improvement Inc., a New Jersey-based contractor, for repeated safety violations. Inspections at three worksites in North Jersey revealed workers were allegedly exposed to dangerous fall hazards due to inadequate safety measures. OSHA Inspections Uncover Safety Violations OSHA first inspected an RRC Home Improvement worksite in Dover in June 2024 after reports surfaced of employees working on a roof without fall protection. Following a warning about this safety issue, OSHA initiated further inspections in July 2024 at two additional RRC worksites in Lodi. At these sites, inspectors once again observed employees without proper fall protection. In addition to fall-related hazards, the inspections revealed other violations, including: These findings highlight serious lapses in workplace safety protocols. Severe Penalties Issued for Violations New Jersey Contractor: After completing the three inspections, OSHA cited RRC Home Improvement for four willful and seven serious violations. These citations resulted in proposed penalties totaling $328,545. The company has a 15-business-day window to respond by complying, requesting an informal conference with OSHA’s area director, or contesting the findings before OSHA’s independent review commission. Repeat Offender Added to Severe Violators Program This is not the first time RRC Home Improvement has faced scrutiny from OSHA. Since 2017, the agency has conducted five inspections and issued citations for failing to provide adequate fall protection. Due to the willful nature of these offenses, OSHA has now added the company to its severe violators program. About RRC Home Improvement Inc. RRC Home Improvement provides commercial roofing, specialty roofing, and residential roofing services across New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. Despite its regional presence, the company’s safety practices have repeatedly come under fire, underscoring the importance of strict compliance with federal workplace safety standards. Learn More About Workplace Safety To stay updated on workplace safety regulations and news, visit Jacobijournal.com, a trusted source for comprehensive legal and industry insights. For the full OSHA report on this case, visit the official OSHA website.