Each year the Criminal Division of the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) – specifically the Fraud Section -- releases its “year in review” report. The 2020 Year in Review report released on February 24 reflects a remarkable record of FCPA prosecutions in 2020 (albeit slightly down from 2019) notwithstanding the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. While the report…

In a year that presented fraudsters with new opportunities to exploit consumers, UK financial institutions continued to lead the charge to reduce European card fraud. FICO’s European Fraud Map for 2020, based on data from Euromonitor International, shows that the UK achieved the greatest fall in card fraud monetary losses among the 18 countries studied, dropping…

In the build-up to Euro 2021, the countries of Europe hold their breath, experience sleepless nights and cold sweats in anticipation of the trials and tribulations of a football tournament. This led me recently to a ‘once in a blue moon’ purchase – England shirts for myself and the family – and I was frankly shocked to see the number of payment mechanisms and BNPL (Bu…

It’s June, a special month for honoring loved ones, especially parents and grandparents by raising Elder Abuse Awareness.  World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is officially June 15th and it’s an ideal time to educate oneself on how to protect elders from becoming victims of financial abuse. All too often, elders today are the targets of residential real estate f…

Invitations to buy even the smallest items on an installment plan seem to be everywhere online, and in-store, too: called “buy now, pay later” or BNPL loans, these offers let consumers buy what they want, now, and pay for it over time in four equal payments. Even the smallest purchases can now be broken up into bite-sized chunks. Led by a plethora of h…