UPDATE: Alleged ‘PhoneCard USA’ Ponzi Schemer Once Arrested In Brazil On Narcotics Charges Now Charged In United States With Possessing ‘Improvised Explosive Devices’
Istvan Merchenthaler, the U.S.-based alleged “PhoneCard USA” Ponzi schemer who reportedly was arrested on narcotics-trafficking charges in Brazil a decade ago and later was linked to pipe bombs found in Pennsylvania and North Carolina, has been indicted on charges of possessing “approximately 60 plastic PVC pipe improvised explosive devices” plus “approximately 400 cardboard tube IEDs, […]
Philly Affinity Fraudster Traded On Coca-Cola’s Name And Ran Ponzi, Feds Say
EDITOR’S NOTE: Affinity fraud takes many forms. The case against Constant Damas appears to have been one that married an appeal to a common nationality to an appeal to the taste buds and brand recognition. Scammers often trade on the names of famous companies and individuals. And they often issue appeals to people of common […]
FEDS: Istvan Merchenthaler Charged In Alleged ‘Prepaid Phone Cards’ Ponzi Scheme That Stole More Than $2 Million From Investors
EDITOR’S NOTE: If you’re keeping a “Bubba Blue” notebook on how to have your Ponzi scheme, this alleged caper in Greater Philadelphia involving prepaid phone cards and purported ties to major retailers perhaps merits an entry . . . A 42-year-old Pennsylvania man has been charged in an alleged “prepaid phone cards” Ponzi scheme that […]