Be alert for scams when traveling

By Ken Kleinlein | 05/27/09

Summer is almost here and vacations are in full swing. I recently returned from a trip to Spain and surrounding areas and observed various incidents directed toward travelers. While on a bus tour in Lanzarote we stopped for refreshments at a very crowded café/bar called Bodega La Geria. I purchased a Coke and paid with a twenty dollar Euro note. The bartender gave me change and quickly retreated to the other end of the bar. My... read more »

Medical fraudsters steal millions of dollars, identities

By Ken Kleinlein | 05/12/09

I received a communication from former New York State Trooper Sergeant Bill McGoldrick regarding Medicare and Medicaid scams. Bill is the CEO of Trooper Tech, an agency that investigates medical fraud and other crimes. While I was in the NYPD, Bill and I conducted a number of successful joint agency task forces that addressed various types of crime. This latest communication shows a surveillance photo of a young woman described as a... read more »

Crime Scene: Employment Cons

By Ken Kleinlein | 03/25/09

Beware of job offer cons and scams. I was approached by a local resident who had come into contact with a company that offers to secure jobs for people seeking employment. Out of work and looking for a job he jumped at the chance and requested more information. The company responded and he was directed to send a check for $250 to cover fees along with some sensitive personal information. The victims check was cashed a short time... read more »

CRIME SCENE - "Yes It's Me"

By Ken Kleinlein | 03/08/09

Earlier this month while attending a meeting of the South West Florida Alliance of Homeowners I was approached by Englewood resident Virginia Warner. She told me about a phone call she recently received from a male voice who said, "Grandma?" Virginia replied, "Jonathan?" The alleged grandson said "yes it's me." He went on to say that he was in jail in Toronto Canada. He and some friends had gone there to attend a wedding and had been in a... read more »

CRIME SCENE: Beware of criminals when population increases

By Ken Kleinlein | 01/28/09

Our population increases dramatically at this time of year and criminals are aware of it. Hopefully you will not become a victim but if you do here are some rules to guide you. Try to remain calm. Robbers are usually excited, easily provoked, and may be on drugs. Avoid defending yourself especially if the perpetrator has a weapon, the odds are really against you then. Ask yourself if your money or property is worth more than your life or health?... read more »

Ex-'Sopranos' actor gets 10 years in prison

By Ken Kleinlein | 01/10/09

NEW YORK (AP) - A former actor on "The Sopranos" was sentenced Friday to 10 years in prison for a botched burglary in the Bronx in which an accomplice shot and killed an off-duty police officer [Daniel Enchautegui pictured: right photo]. A jury acquitted Lillo Brancato Jr. [pictured: left photo] of second-degree murder in the death of the police officer, but convicted him of attempted burglary. He had faced up to 15 years in prison. He pursed... read more »

Beware of phony delivery credit card scam

By Ken Kleinlein | 12/31/08

Con artists are continually coming up with new ways to steal information, cash and property. This one has been perpetrated nation wide and is prevalent especially around the holidays.Thanks to NYPD Police Officer Lou LeBron for contributing to this article. The following is an actual letter from a victim. It is edited for space constraints. "I want to let you all know that Frank and I have been the victims of a credit card fraud and felt I... read more »

CRIME SCENE - Internet phishers impersonating legitimate sources

By Ken Kleinlein | 12/03/08

Theft of personal and sensitive information using the Internet and telephone has reached epidemic levels. Thieves create Web sites and use phone numbers that appear to be legitimate. Entities such as law enforcement, banks, credit card companies, utilities, governmental agencies, and the military, are fraudulently used to entice victims into supplying information that should remain confidential and available only to reputable and legitimate... read more »

CRIME SCENE - Credit Cards

By Ken Kleinlein | 11/14/08

Take precautions to protect your property and credit cards. I recently returned from a New York trip and while there I received information relative to a number of crimes including some that have happened here. A woman went to a gas station in Farmingdale, Long Island, and was filling her tank when a male in a pickup truck pulled alongside her car, reached inside and stole her purse that was lying on the seat. When the Suffolk County Police... read more »

CRIME SCENE: Burglaries and thefts on the rise in the area by Ken Kleinlein

By Ken Kleinlein | 09/24/08

Over the past months burglaries, larcenies, and thefts had proliferated in and around the area of Manasota Beach Road and Alamander Avenue in Englewood. The thefts usually occurred between the hours of 1 a.m. and day break. Autos were broken into and property was stolen from garages and patios. As the larcenies increased the thief/thieves became bolder, actually entering houses while the residents were asleep. This modus operandi is very... read more »