Anyone who has been a victim of identity theft knows it can easily happen, and a recent study found if you're living in Texas the chances of getting exposed are higher.

A new Houston doggy daycare business that hasn’t even opened its doors has already lost more than $250,000 in a scam that involves wire fraud and appears to be part of a growing email scheme that has resulted in billions lost.

KPRC 2’s Rilwan Balogun visited Phillips to get answers to Click2Houston Help Desk question regarding deed transfers and allegations of fraud.

An alleged conman responsible for defrauding women out of millions of dollars in romance scams has been arrested at a Houston airport.

Robert Amboree, a Houston property owner, recently made aware of an apparent property fraud that left him feeling violated.

Four people are accused of an elaborate rental fraud scheme targeting more than a dozen Harris County properties involving a stolen identity.

A former Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo vice-president has been convicted on wire fraud charges, according to FBI Houston.

After a realtor called KPRC 2 in April when he realized his client’s home had been rented using a stolen identity, the tenant has been charged and is wanted on three felony charges.

The 39-year-old admitted to obtaining at least $1.5 million for personal use by misusing the funds intended initially for constructing private residences.

Imagine this, you have owned your home for over a decade, and you can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel. You make enough to pay your monthly bills, help your kids with paying for college, and even take the occasional vacation. Then, in an instant, your financial life is crushed!

Brett Detamore, the former West University home developer who allegedly faked his disappearance in June 2023, appeared in federal court Monday afternoon.

Multiple arrests have been made in connection to a bank fraud investigation led by the Mont Belvieu Police Department.

The alleged scheme involved AABLE Bonds where the FBI executed a search warrant in June 2022.

Prosecutors say Khalia Douglas posted stories on her Instagram with captions flat out incriminating her saying: “SBA is back open. $350 for method. Yes, I’m doing applications $100 upfront & $2k when your money hits. You’ll need a real bank account.”

Prosecutors say Christopher Montealegre, 45, pleaded guilty to applying for and receiving a newly built home worth $314,000 with federally approved funds meant to assist Hurricane Harvey victims.

The thief is going into waiting rooms, lounges and other public areas to steal people’s wallets, credit cards, money and personal belongings.

Here are some ways you can stay informed, protect your personal information, and be proactive in monitoring your financial accounts to safeguard against identity theft:

A home rented by a suspected identity thief in Northwest Harris County has led to a law enforcement investigation and the recovery of many items possibly connected to other identity theft cases.

William Xavier Winfrey is currently in custody and facing felony murder charges in connection with the case.

💰 Zelle Scandal Unveiled: Houston Women Lose Thousands 💸In a shocking turn of events, two Houston women fell victim to a massive Zelle scam that drained their bank accounts. 😱 Despite reporting the fraud immediately, Chase Bank denied any wrongdoing and refused to reimburse their loss. Join KPRC 2 Investigator Bill Spencer at 6 PM tonight as he dives deep into this alarming issue.

Amy Sharp and Jason Leopard are in the middle of a battle they never dreamed they would be in. They were ripped off by an estate sale company. Bill Spencer looks into what you should do if you have a similar problem.

A woman who went viral on social media after making claims a man assaulted her with a brick outside a Houston club and then used the story to fraudulently raise over $40,000 on GoFundMe was expected to turn herself in to police, but didn’t show up Thursday.

A Missouri City couple has been indicted for orchestrating a fraudulent financing and refinancing mortgage loan scheme, the United States Department of Justice announced Wednesday.

United Memorial Medical Center has agreed to pay $2 million and to make additional contingent payments to resolve alleged False Claims Act violations, the United States Department of Justice announced Wednesday.

Five Houston men have been taken into federal custody after they were charged in a large-scale mail theft and credit card fraud scheme resulting in more than $1.2 million in losses, the United States Department of Justice announced Tuesday.

A Sugar Land business owner has been ordered to serve two years in federal prison after being convicted of conspiring to commit mail fraud, the U.S. Attorney’s Office announced.

Texas residents lost more than $763 million to fraudsters in 2022, including nearly $20 million in phishing and non-delivery scams, according to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center.

A 48-year-old Katy woman has been sentenced to prison for defrauding Medicaid of more than $600,000, the United States Department of Justice announced Tuesday.

A Sugar Land man has pleaded guilty to aggravated identity theft in connection with a scheme to fraudulently obtain and launder more than $500,000, the United States Department of Justice said.

A Houston businessman was arrested for wire fraud in relation to a fraudulent loan scheme, according to the United States Department of Justice.

A Missouri City couple and owners of a home health agency have received prison time for defrauding Medicare out of over $8 million.

A Houston man who was the head of a multimillion-dollar COVID-19 relief fraud ring and six of his co-conspirators were sentenced for fraudulently obtaining more than $20 million in forgivable Paycheck Protection Program loans that the Small Business Administration guaranteed under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, the United States Department of Justice announced Tuesday.

Five Houston men have pleaded guilty to their participation in a scheme to fraudulently obtain and launder millions of dollars in forgivable Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, the United States Department of Justice announced Monday.

A group of people living in Houston have been sentenced to federal prison for their involvement in a nationwide fraud scheme that targeted elderly victims, the United States Department of Justice said.

A 38-year-old Mont Belvieu man has been taken into federal custody for diverting victims’ money for his personal use, the United States Department of Justice announced Wednesday.

A 13-count indictment was unsealed Tuesday charging two Houston pharmacists and a physician for their roles in a multimillion-dollar health care fraud, kickback, and money laundering scheme.

The leader in a conspiracy to commit mail fraud has been ordered to federal prison, the United States Department of Justice said.

Houston attorney Amber Morrison was first tipped off back in 2017. Someone reached out via Facebook and said a woman was pretending to be her, practicing family law under her name.

Charges have been filed against an operator and two managers at a local dental clinic for their roles in a $6 million Medicaid fraud and kickback scheme, U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani announced.

A 47-year-old home health company owner has been sentenced to nearly five years in prison for a $1.4 million Medicare home health fraud scheme, the United States Department of Justice announced Tuesday.

A North Texas firefighter is battling a different kind of flame after someone stole his identity and then used it to buy several cars in the Houston area.

Frustration continues to grow for many victims who are fighting for answers and trying to get their money back after their SNAP benefits were stolen.

A Houston couple is set to appear before a federal judge Friday on allegations they were involved in a multi-million dollar home health fraud scheme.

The United States government agreed on Wednesday to dismiss all fraud charges against former Blue Bell CEO Paul Kruse, with parties agreeing to a misdemeanor fine instead.

The fear of missing out on the next big thing can cause people to make risky decisions.

According to officials, from March of 2020 until December of that year, Desiree Coleman conspired with others to commit wire fraud by submitting false applications for government assistance.

Acres Homes property owner says family land was fraudulently listed for sale in real estate scam

Authorities said three people have been arrested after they allegedly used someone else’s identity to buy a vehicle.

Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo... no matter which bank you use, you probably trust your bank to protect your money. But consumer advocates are calling out the nation's largest banks for giving thieves easy access to your cash through an app and platform they created. They say new numbers from some of those banks show just how much criminals are making from Zelle.

Daniel McIver, 29, and 26-year-old Eric Berry were arrested at a north Houston hotel. Both are charged with felony identity theft and possession of a controlled substance. McIver also faces a charge of tampering with a government record, according to the Constable’s Office.

The Department of Justice has announced the results of its efforts over the past year to protect older adults from fraud and exploitation. During the past year, the DOJ and its law enforcement partners tackled matters that ranged from mass-marketing scams that impacted thousands of victims to bad actors scamming their neighbors.

A Fort Bend County man is set to face a judge Monday after he was indicted for obtaining nearly $600,000 in financial aid funds at several Texas colleges, U.S. Attorney Jennifer Lowery said in a news release.

A 46-year-old man has been sentenced to 14 months in prison after being convicted of wire fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.

A 22-year-old Houston man arrested for being a “prolific” con artist has been sentenced to eight years in prison for fraud and forgery, Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg said Wednesday.

A 59-year-old Houston woman has been sent to federal prison following her conviction of committing and conspiracy to commit health care fraud, the U.S. Attorney’s Office announced.

A Washington man who was targeting innocent, unsuspecting seniors across East Texas was sentenced Tuesday to serve time in federal prison for fraud violations, U.S. Attorney Brit Featherston announced.

Two Houston area men have been arrested after committing wire fraud during the COVID-19 pandemic, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.

Two suburban Houston men are accused of committing conspiracy and fraud after receiving millions of dollars from companies attempting to purchase much-needed personal protection equipment during the COVID-19 pandemic, but did not deliver anything and spent the money on lavish purchases instead, the U.S. Attorney’s Office announced.

Beginning September 1, anyone who applies for a car dealer license in Texas must be fingerprinted and go through a thorough background check.

Have you ever received one of those text messages that appear to be from your bank or a retailer confirming a transfer or purchase you didn’t make? By now, you likely know those messages are usually scams. The scammer wants you to click on the link so that you will give them your financial information. But this new scheme takes it a step further.

A 47-year-old Katy resident has been indicted for defrauding Medicaid of more than $600,000, a federal official said Wednesday.

A 24-year-old Indian citizen residing in Houston is the latest suspect taken into custody on charges related to a large nationwide conspiracy to commit mail fraud, the U.S. Attorney’s Office has announced.

Investigator Bill Spencer is known for tracking down shady contractors. Hear from two families who say they lost thousands of dollars after hiring a man to put a pool in their backyard. Plus, three things you should do before hiring any contractors for your home.

The Houston man accused of going on a shopping spree after receiving more than $1.6 million from the Small Business Association’s Paycheck Protection Program has been sentenced to 110 months in prison, the U.S. Justice Department announced Monday.

Harris County prosecutors said Wednesday they are investigating new claims of fraud against a Houston man who once served as R. Kelly’s crisis manager.

Darrell Tracy Johnson, R. Kelly's former crisis manager, is accused of defrauding several people in the Harris County area out of more than $50,000.

Officials said the 25-year-old fraudulently obtained more than $650,000 from over 100 individuals through his scheme and then used investors’ funds for personal expenses

Diamond Jones is the latest to join a growing list of serial fraudsters accused of using fake identities to buy multiple high-end vehicles from Houston area dealerships valued at more than $130,000, according to the Houston Police Department.

HOUSTON – Prosecutors with The Harris County District Attorney’s Office said Larry Aguero was preying on the unemployed. Hayes said Aguero claimed to work for the City of Houston, promising his victims jobs that do not exist. AdThe alarm was sounded after several of the victims confronted Aguero at Aguero’s southwest Houston apartment. Gradually that complainant learned this job doesn’t exist, we don’t know what you’re talking about,” Hayes said. Prosecutors said if you’re ever approached by someone about jobs with the city or county, look for an official I.D.

HOUSTON – Two Houston area men are now in custody on charges of conspiracy to commit health care fraud relating to a pharmacy fraud scheme, U.S. Attorney Jennifer Lowery announced Tuesday. According to the eight-count indictment, Mokbel is the owner of several Houston area pharmacies, while Elsafty is his accountant. Mokbel also transferred and controlled over $6 million in health care fraud proceeds in certificate of deposit accounts at banks, according to the allegations. AdMokbel and ElSafty have been charged with one count of a conspiracy to commit health care fraud, three counts of health care fraud and four counts of money laundering. The use of telemarketing to target people over 55 as a means to commit health care fraud has an additional penalty of 10 years.

HOUSTON – Four Hillcroft Physician medical workers, including a medical director and operator, are in custody in connection with a $32 million health care fraud scheme, the U.S. Attorney’s Office announced. Farrah Forough Farizani, 57; Hamid Reza Razavi, 60; Elie Hanna Hajjar, 48; and Juan Acuña, 64, have been charged with conspiracy to commit health care fraud. Farizani, Razavi and Hajjar are also charged with five counts of making false statements relating to health care matters. Farizani and Razavi are also accused of directing Hajjar and Acuña to pose as licensed medical professionals, according to the indictment. According to the indictment, the group submitted $31 million in claims to Medicaid, in which Medicaid paid $12.2 million.

RICHMOND, Texas – The Fort Bend County District Attorney’s Office held a news conference Thursday morning to announce the investigation and filing of fraud charges related to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, commonly known as the CARES Act. Watch a live stream of the event in the video above.

HOUSTON – Peer-to-peer payment apps make sending money to friends easy but if you’re not careful, a simple mistake could cause you to lose your hard-earned money. Despite the growing popularity of apps like Zelle, Venmo, and Cash App, most users never read the fine print or terms of service. If you accidentally pay the wrong person, most of the payment apps will not help get your money back. While your credit card offers fraud protection, allowing you to dispute charges, most payment apps do not. Read this story to find out how scammers can wipe out your bank account through these peer to peer payment apps.

HOUSTON – A Houston businessman is under investigation for multiple fraud cases, according to police. Houston police arrested 31-year-old Brandon Douglas on Wednesday after they said he tried using a fake temporary Texas driver’s license to buy a $28,000 car. “There was information on the credit application and the temporary Texas driver’s license that didn’t make sense,” said Sgt. They said he was already out on bond for multiple felony cases that he’s been indicted for. According to the website “Skinny Executive Enterprises” is a housing company for marketing, consulting, design and real estate development.

HOUSTON – Authorities have named 15 people connected to a massive, decade-long fraud scheme involving tires from China, according to a release. Zheng “Miranda” Zhou, 53, of Missouri City, and Kun “Bruce” Liu, 40, of Sugar Land, were named yesterday in connection with the fraud. The legal documents said the group “conspired to avoid anti-dumping duties associated with off-the-road (OTR) and light vehicle and truck (LVT) tires from China,” according to the release. According to legal records, the documents were also used to understate the value of the tires, making the duty rate for Winland even lower. Whether direct espionage by the Chinese government or trade fraud like in this case, we will continue to investigate and prosecute every case we can.”

Dutton got the highest number of votes during the Democratic primary in March, but not enough to avoid a runoff with the second- and third-place finishers. Prosecutors said Friday that an investigation revealed that the third-place candidate, Natasha Ruiz, was actually Natasha Demming, who filed under a false name. Prosecutors accused Demming of conspiring with Richard Bonton, who was another candidate in the District 142 race, to manipulate the vote. RELATED: 8 months after ‘ghost candidate’ review launched, State Rep. Harold Dutton hoping for justiceBoth Demming and Bonton have been charged with felonies related to tampering with a governmental record. “When somebody steals votes from people, that is about the highest crime you can commit, as far as I’m concerned,” Dutton said.

Former candidate Richard BontonKPRC 2 Investigates has learned that former candidate for state representative, Richard Bonton, has been indicted by a Harris County Grand Jury on multiple charges including election fraud. According to the indictment obtained by KPRC 2 Investigates, Bonton is charged with conspiracy to commit tampering with a government record, tampering with a governmental record and election fraud. While the murder rate in Harris County skyrockets, Kim Ogg chose to use taxpayer funds to pursue a personal attack. What Kim Ogg did today is public corruption at its finest and we will work withFederal authorities to bring justice. Harris County deserves a top cop who is focused on justice, not political favors.

Police in West University Place are trying to track down the man accused of using other people’s personal information to open fraudulent credit card accounts at Home Depot. Detective Matthew Sutton said Sutterley used the names, birthdays and social security numbers of other people to open 27 accounts at Home Depot. According to investigators, Sutterley did time behind bars for a similar crime and was released in February of this year. Police said the fraudulent accounts have now been closed and the victim said Home Depot told her she would not be responsible for the charges. Investigators are still trying to figure out how the victims’ personal information was obtained and what happened with the items that were purchased.

HOUSTON – A Texas physician was sentenced to five years in prison Wednesday for a $16 million Medicare fraud scheme, federal officials said. Hamilton was convicted by a federal jury of one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud, one count of conspiracy to solicit and receive health care kickbacks, and two counts of false statements relating to health care matters in October 2019. Members of the conspiracy paid the patients to receive the home health care services, which were often medically unnecessary, not provided, or both, the news release said. Hamilton typically would not release the home health care paperwork until the home health care companies or their marketers paid her the kickback, authorities said, citing evidence from the case. Federal authorities said the scheme resulted in approximately millions in false and fraudulent claims for home-health services to Medicare and in Hamilton receiving over $300,000 in kickbacks.

HOUSTON – Houston police tracked down a serial fraud suspect tied to more than 1,400 cases in several states and cities, including Houston. Police said Jarius Bell of Ruston, of Louisiana, is connected to at least three cases of vehicle fraud in the Houston area. Bell connected to vehicle fraud cases in Houston, Humble and SpringNot long after his release from jail, Sgt. “You’ll find that in higher premiums, you’ll find that in higher prices for vehicles, you’ll find it in higher interest rates,” Schlosser said. So far this year, Houston police have made 29 separate arrests and prevented $1.23 million in vehicle fraud.

The Harris County District Attorney’s consumer fraud division is building a case against the spa owner who has not yet been charged with a crime. Smith said she was recently contacted by the Harris County District Attorney’s consumer fraud division and learned she was not alone. An investigation was launched after the former spa owner and lienholder claimed the owner cashed a more than $31,000 insurance check at a bank by forging his signature. KPRC 2 called the spa owner for comment and awaiting a response. If you’re a former customer, fraud investigators ask to call the Harris County Constables Dispatch at 281-376-3472.

HOUSTON – Imagine being laid off and finally receiving notification that your unemployment insurance claim has been approved. For the millions of Texans who have been unemployed due to the pandemic, that approval is great news. RELATED LINK: Texas unemployment numbersBut what if you didn’t file that claim, and someone else is using your name to commit unemployment insurance fraud and receive your benefits? First, filing unemployment is done virtually -- either over the phone -- and that has created an opportunity for fraudsters to take advantage of victims like Smith, by using their identity to file unemployment insurance claims. RESOURCES: How to report unemployment insurance fraud | Fraud hotline: (800) 252-3642 | Email: TWC.fraud@TWC.state.tx.usBernsen said the agency’s main focus is getting legitimate claims paid, so representatives can’t call back every fraud case reported.

HOUSTON – A Houston woman was charged after she fraudulently obtained more than $1.9 million in Paycheck Protection Program, according to Acting Assistant Attorney General Brian C. Rabbitt of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick of the Southern District of Texas. Lola Shalewa Barbara Kasali, 22, was charged with making false statements to a financial institution, wire fraud, bank fraud and engaging in unlawful monetary transactions. She received more than $1.9 million in PPP loan funds and after the approval of Lola’s Level application, according to the complaint. Kasali transferred the money in four separate bank accounts after receiving the funds, which were later seized by authorities, according to the charges. She appeared in court before a U.S. Magistrate Judge Christina Bryan in Houston at 2 p.m. on Wednesday.

(NBC NEWS) – A new scam is slowly taking over social media. They’re known as “blessing looms” or “gifting circles.”Participants are promised they will receive thousands of dollars with little effort and a small initial investment. “Most people who get involved with it are going to end up losing money,” warns Kati Daffan of the Federal Trade Commission. They are new versions of an old scam, the pyramid scheme, and any participation in them is illegal. Experts say you should do your research and if one of these “deals” pops up on your social media feed walk away, keeping those hard earned dollars in your wallet.

HOUSTON – A 29-year-old Houston man is accused of making fraudulent applications for coronavirus relief aid and then spending the money on luxury items, according to a release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Lee Price III was arrested and is charged with making false statements to a financial institution, wire fraud, bank fraud and engaging in unlawful monetary transactions. Prosecutors said Price was involved in a scheme to submit fraudulent Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan applications to federally insured banks and other lenders. “He also allegedly spent thousands at strip clubs and other Houston night clubs,” officials wrote. The PPP allocated $349 billion in forgivable loans to small businesses for job retention and certain other expenses.

On July 22, A Harris County grand jury indicted former pastor Larry Donnell Leonard II and his wife Shuwana on felony charges of securities fraud and aggregate theft. The Leonards own and operate Teshuater, an alkaline bottled water company and Teshua Business Group. “Your 4,000 shares that you purchased today are worth $1,240,” Larry Leonard says on a video recorded in 2017 as his wife sits by his side calculating the math. When reached by phone, Larry Leonard told KPRC 2 on the advice of his attorney, he could not comment on the charges. The Harris County District Attorney’s Office says they are waiting for the couple to turn themselves in.

As the demand for personal protection equipment (PPE) grows, some suppliers are taking advantage of the national crisis. The Office of Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is warning the public of scammers advertising masks and other COVID-19 related equipment they do not actually have an inventory of in an attempt to make a quick profit. According to the office, these products may be counterfeit and mislabeled, or non-existent. As fraudulent schemes continue, consumers urged to exercise increased caution when dealing with new suppliers, especially when using a third-party broker, the Office of Texas Attorney General says. Red flags that a sale may be fraudulent include:Unusual payment termsLast-minute price changesLast-minute excuses for delay in shipmentUnexplained source of a large quantity of materialEvidence of re-packaging or mislabelingTexans who believe they have encountered scams or price gouging should call the Office of the Attorney General’s toll-free complaint line at (800) 621-0508 or file a complaint online.

HOUSTON – Car dealerships in the Houston area are getting more attention during these uncertain times, but not just from honest consumers. Auto theft investigators from the Houston Police Department said they arrested three people accused of targeting the same local dealership in the span of three days. “When this kind of fraud happens, it impacts the finance teams, the finance companies, the car dealerships, and then goes on down to the consumer,” said RoShelle Salinas, the executive vice president of the Houston Automotive Dealers Association. “That’s why we’re really big in educating our dealerships and working so closely with the Houston Police Department to be able to catch these people. If we weren’t capturing these criminals, then they were just going to the next dealership and the next dealership and on down the freeway to all the dealerships.”

They received a phone call back in February from a woman claiming to be their 26-year-old granddaughter, who is in the United States Army stationed in North Carolina. The woman told the Sapps’ she’d been in a wreck, hit a pregnant woman after she’d been drinking and needed $3,000 bail money. The Sapps’ say the man pretending to be the attorney told them he would refund the $3,000 in bail money. Investigators say the phone number that the Sapps’ were given is registered to a 20-year-old young man. The Sapps’ said they wanted to share their story so that what happened to them doesn’t happen to anyone else.

MAUD, Texas – A Texas man is facing serious charges after fraudulently seeking millions from forgivable loans meant to help businesses suffering in the coronavirus pandemic, according to the Department of Justice. The documents revealed that Yates sought $5 million through the Paycheck Protection Program by claiming he had over 400 employees and a $2 million monthly payroll, according to the DOJ. Yates was also able to get over $500,000 from another lender by claiming he had over 100 employees, the DOJ said. Each application had a list of false names Yates obtained via an online random name generator and forged tax documents, according to the DOJ. Yates is charged with wire fraud, bank fraud, false statements to a financial institution, and false statements to the SBA, the DOJ said.