Long Island Man Convicted of over $600 Million Health Care Fraud, Wire Fraud and Identity Theft Scheme

 

Defendant Impersonated Patients on Calls to Insurance Companies and Staged Fake Emergency Room Visits to Fraudulently Inflate Claims

 A federal jury in Central Islip returned a guilty verdict on eight counts of a superseding indictment charging Mathew James with perpetrating an over $600 million health care fraud scheme, which also included wire fraud and aggravated identity theft charges.  The verdict followed a six-week trial before United States District Judge Joanna Seybert.  

Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Kenneth A. Polite Jr., Assistant Attorney General of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, and Michael J. Driscoll, Assistant Director-in-Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), announced the verdict.

“The defendant stands convicted of carrying out an audacious scheme in which he used insurance companies like ATM machines.  He stole hundreds of millions of dollars until he was finally exposed by a paper trail a mile-long, phone recordings on which he impersonated patients, and text messages and emails with his co-conspirator doctor clients demonstrating his nefarious billing practices. For this massive fraud, a federal jury convicted him today,” stated United States Attorney Peace.  “Health care fraud is not a victimless crime, because fraudulent billing ultimately affects consumers who must pay the cost of higher insurance premiums.”

“James orchestrated a fraudulent medical billing scheme to steal from insurance companies and businesses, in order to line his own pockets,” said Assistant Attorney General Polite of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “This conviction shows that medical billers who fuel health care fraud will be brought to justice.”

As proven at trial, James operated medical billing companies to provide billing services for physicians, primarily plastic surgeons throughout the United States, and used his companies to carry out a massive scheme to defraud insurance companies.  As a third-party medical biller, James submitted claims to insurance companies and when necessary, requested reconsideration or appeals of denied claims.  The evidence showed that James billed for procedures that were either more serious or entirely different than those his doctor-clients performed.  For example, the government presented evidence that James impersonated Jeff Pash, the National Football League’s general counsel, and Marcus Smart, a professional basketball player for the Boston Celtics of the National Basketball Association, in calls the defendant made to insurance companies in which he exaggerated medical procedures.  James made thousands of impersonation calls resulting in over tens of millions of dollars in additional reimbursement to his doctor-clients and from which he received a percentage of the fraudulent proceeds.

James also directed his doctor-clients to schedule elective surgeries through the emergency room so that insurance companies would reimburse at substantially higher rates. When insurance companies denied the inflated claims, James impersonated patients to demand that the insurance companies pay the outstanding balances of tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Attorney General James Demands National Gun Distributors Immediately Stop Selling and Bringing Illegal Ghost Gun Parts Into New York

 

Following Lawsuit Against Gun Distributors, AG James Files Motion for Preliminary Injunction Against Companies That Sold and Delivered Illegal Ghost Gun Parts to Undercover Investigators in New York

 New York Attorney General Letitia James took action to stop national gun distributors from selling and bringing illegal ghost gun parts into New York. Following her landmark lawsuit against these distributors, Attorney General James filed a motion for a preliminary injunction against six of those gun distributors that sold and shipped unfinished frames and receivers to undercover investigators in New York. An investigation by the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) found that these businesses sent thousands of similar unfinished frames and receivers to individuals in New York who later committed violent crimes.

“Every single day people across the country are losing their lives to gun violence,” said Attorney General James. “We cannot and will not allow our children and our communities to continue to live in fear that their school, parade, or grocery store will be next. Today, we are taking serious action to immediately stop these companies from illegally selling and bringing these dangerous ghost gun parts into New York. We will continue to fight to protect New Yorkers and bring justice to communities devastated by gun violence.”

Attorney General James is seeking a preliminary injunction against six of the gun distributors that her office sued. These six gun distributors were caught red-handed when they sold and shipped nine unfinished frames to undercover investigators in New York. They include Brownells, Inc. (Brownells), Rock Slide USA, LLC (Rock Slide), Arm or Ally, LLC (Arm or Ally), Rainier Arms, LLC (Rainier Arms), Salvo Technologies, Inc. (80 P Builder or 80P Freedom Co), and Indie Guns, LLC (Indie Guns).

In the filing for a preliminary injunction, Attorney General James asserts that these businesses sell these dangerous products with the intention that their customers will convert them into working firearms, and even take steps to assist them in doing so. Rainier Arms’ web page marketing an AR-15-compatible receiver links to a PDF of milling instructions, while Brownells offers step-by-step video instructions on finishing a Glock-compatible pistol frame, and a telephone support line where customers can ask for assistance. They also sell their products inside a “jig,” a plastic structure for the product that guides the user’s tools through the simple steps required to finish the frame. In the words of 80 Percent Arms, the jigs “make it ridiculously easy for a non-machinist to finish their [handgun frame] in under 1 hour with no drill press required.” This process is designed to be a workaround to avoid federal gun serialization, recordkeeping, and background check requirements. Once turned into a working firearm, these illegal weapons have been used to commit crimes and harm New Yorkers.

Attorney General James is asking the court to order these businesses to immediately stop selling, shipping, distributing, or otherwise supplying unfinished frames or receivers to any person or entity with a New York address.

Last month, Attorney General James filed a landmark lawsuit against multiple gun distributors for fueling the gun violence crisis and endangering New Yorkers. The nation-leading lawsuit alleges that these businesses violated several laws, including New York’s licensing laws, by selling weapons to felons and others without a background check. Attorney General James’ lawsuit stands out by detailing how these businesses repeatedly undermined the law and flooded New York’s streets with illegal ghost guns that harmed New Yorkers.

NYSOFA Annual Report Details Services to 1.3 Million Older New Yorkers

 

Over 1.3 million New Yorkers received services through NYSOFA and aging network programs in 2021

 The New York State Office for the Aging (NYSOFA) has published a comprehensive 2021 Annual Report detailing the work of aging service providers who delivered vital services to over 1.3 million older adults and their families in 2021. The report offers a definitive analysis on the landscape of aging in New York State, including data on economic and demographic trends, the prevalence of chronic conditions, growth in long term care needs, and more.

“This comprehensive report provides a blueprint for what we do and why we do it,” said NYSOFA Director Greg Olsen. “Older adults with the most serious chronic conditions or functional limitations have needs that are all fundamentally served by core Office for Aging and network programs, including nutrition, personal care, transportation, and chronic disease self-management. But this network also serves a much wider population and purpose, providing supports that help older New Yorkers to thrive, manage their independence, and avoid situations that could put them at risk of worsening chronic care needs, as outlined in the report."

NYSOFA partners with 59 Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) and almost 1,200 community-based partners. Collectively, these organizations provide a wide array of programs and supports that help older New Yorkers stay healthy, access services, prevent and mitigate elder abuse, stay engaged in their communities, understand and apply for benefits, and maintain their autonomy as they age.

According to NYSOFA’s Annual Report, older adults and their families received the following network services through AAAs and community partners in 2021:

• 63,825 older New Yorkers received registered dietician (RD)-certified home-delivered meals.

• 196,547 older New Yorkers received RD-certified meals in a congregate setting.

• 69,561 older New Yorkers had case managers help them maintain their independence and navigate various health and social service systems.

• 13,087 older New Yorkers received personal care services in their homes.

• 108,044 older adults received transportation services to medical appointments, pharmacies, and other community outlets.

• 10,823 received legal assistance.

• 88,921 received nutrition counseling and education.

• 293,633 received information and assistance.

• 109,144 received health promotion/prevention.

• 248,000 received Medicare plan and prescription counseling and assistance.

• 13,109 received support services and respite that make it possible for caregivers to continue caring for a frail loved one.

• 600 received services through the Social Adult Day Services (SADS) programs directly funded by NYSOFA.

• Approximately 2,600 victims of elder abuse had their cases referred to an Enhanced Multidisciplinary Team (E-MDT) coordinator. E-MDTs bring together professionals from various disciplines within each county whose primary focus is to intervene and prevent abuse of older adults, with a focus on complex cases. 

• More than 250,000 contacts were made to NY Connects, a trusted resource for free, objective information about long term services and supports in New York State for people of all ages or with any type of disability. Also, the NY Connects Resource Directory received 1.5 million page hits.

For more information about NY Connects, or to access other local supports, visit https://www.nyconnects.ny.gov/ or call 1-800-342-9871.

NYSOFA’s Annual Report also contains additional information about New York's aging services system – its roles, responsibilities, and structure under the Older Americans Act and New York State Elder Law as well as case studies and program accomplishments in 2021. 

Below is a snapshot of other data included in the report.

General Data

• New York has the fourth largest population of older adults in the nation: 4.6 million New Yorkers are 60 years of age or older, and 4.2 million are between the ages of 45 and 59.

• By 2025, the population of individuals age 60 and over is projected to account for 25% of all people in 33 counties and 30% of all people in 18 counties.

Economics and Community Involvement Data

• Older New Yorkers and baby boomers make up 65% — $481 billion — of all the household income generated in New York State. They support local businesses, Medicaid and schools through home ownership, contributing significantly to the local and state economy and care economy.

• 80% of the state retirement system payouts stay in New York State at a value of $10.6 billion annually.

• 64% of New Yorkers age 60 and over own their own homes and have no mortgage.

• Approximately 935,000 New Yorkers over the age of 55 contribute more than 495 million hours of community service at an economic value of more than $13.9 billion annually.

Chronic Conditions and Long Term Care Needs

• Approximately 6.2 million adult New Yorkers (41.1%) suffer from a chronic disease such as arthritis, asthma, stroke, heart disease, diabetes, or cancer, and New Yorkers with chronic diseases are more likely to report poor health status and activity limitations than those without a chronic disease.

• NYSOFA projects that the number of people age 60 and over with functional impairments will grow over 20% by 2025. Eighty-one percent will live in the community and 19% will live in nursing homes or other group care facilities.

• 10% of the population has self-care limitations – that is, difficulty taking care of their own personal needs, such as bathing, dressing, or getting around inside the house due to a health condition that lasts for six or more months. This number rises to 15% for people who are 75 and over; and 25% for those who are 85 and over.

• 20% of the population has mobility limitations – that is, difficulty going outside the house alone (for example, to shop or visit a doctor’s office) due to a health condition that lasts for six or more months. This number rises to one-third for individuals age 75 and over, and 50% for ages 85 and over.

Read the complete report here.

About the New York State Office for the Aging

NYSOFA continuously works to help the state’s 4.6 million older adults be as independent as possible for as long as possible through advocacy, development and delivery of person-centered, consumer-oriented, and cost-effective policies, programs, and services that support and empower older adults and their families, in partnership with the network of public and private organizations that serve them. Stay connected—visit the NYSOFA Facebook page; follow @NYSAGING on Twitter and NYSAging on Instagram; or visit aging.ny.gov.

United States Files Claims Alleging Fresenius Vascular Care, Inc. Defrauded Medicare and Other Healthcare Programs by Billing for Unnecessary Procedures Performed on Dialysis Patients

 

Civil Fraud Complaint Alleges Unnecessary Procedures Performed on Patients with End Stage Renal Disease Were Potentially Harmful

 The United States filed a civil complaint yesterday in federal court in Brooklyn against Fresenius Vascular Care, Inc. (“Fresenius”) alleging that the company performed unnecessary procedures on dialysis patients at nine centers across New York City and Long Island, and billed the procedures to Medicare, Medicaid, the Federal Health Benefits Program and TRICARE.  The complaint seeks damages and penalties under the False Claims Act.  

The filing was announced by Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, and Scott J. Lampert, Special Agent-in-Charge, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General’s Office of Investigations (HHS-OIG).

“The conduct alleged in this case is egregious, as Fresenius not only defrauded federal healthcare programs but also subjected particularly vulnerable people to medically unnecessary procedures,” stated United States Attorney Peace.  “This Office will hold medical providers accountable for practices that needlessly expose patients to harm for financial gain at taxpayer expense.”

Mr. Peace also expressed his thanks to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office, the United States Office of Personnel Management, and the United States Department of Defense for their assistance with the investigation.

“The alleged conduct by Fresenius unnecessarily compromised patient care and undermined the financial integrity of federal health care programs,” stated HHS-OIG Special Agent-in-Charge Lampert.  “Along with our law enforcement partners, HHS-OIG is committed to protecting beneficiaries and taxpayers from such abusive practices.”

As alleged in the complaint, from about January 1, 2012 through June 30, 2018, Fresenius routinely performed certain procedures on patients with End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) who were receiving dialysis, without sufficient clinical indication that the patients needed the procedures.  These interventions included fistulagrams, which are radiological procedures in which dye is injected into the patient’s vein or artery to visualize the port and surrounding blood vessels, and angioplasties, in which wires and balloons are inserted into veins or arteries that have narrowed to restore the patient’s blood flow.  Fresenius knowingly subjected ESRD patients—who included elderly, disadvantaged minority, and low-income individuals—to these procedures to increase its revenues.  

The government filed its complaint in an ongoing action commenced pursuant to the qui tam provisions of the False Claims Act, United States ex rel. Pepe and Sherman v. Fresenius Medical Holdings, Inc., et al., No. 14-CV-3505 (ERK).  The case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jolie Apicella and Anjna Kapoor, and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary Ellen Buntin of the Office’s Civil Division.

Defendants operated vascular access centers at the following locations during the relevant period:

• American Access Care of Bellmore (now “American Access Care Nassau County”), 250 Pettit Avenue, Suite 2, Bellmore, NY 11710
• American Access Care Brooklyn, 577 Prospect Avenue Lower Level, Brooklyn, NY 11215
• American Access Care of New York (now “American Access Care Manhattan”), 403 E. 91st Street, Floor 2, New York, NY 10128
• American Access Care Queens, 176-60 Union Turnpike #130, Suite 130, Flushing, NY 11366
• American Access Care Suffolk County, 32 Central Avenue, Hauppauge, NY 11788
• American Access Care Bronx, 1200 Waters Place N. Lobby, Suite M 115, Bronx, NY 10461
• Saqib Chaudhry, MD – Flushing, 176-60 Union Turnpike Utopia Center, Suite 145, Flushing, NY 11366
• Saqib Chaudhry, MD – Roslyn, 1044 Northern Boulevard, Suite 302, Roslyn, NY 11676 (no longer operating)
• Verrazano Vascular Associates at Access Care Physicians, 2025 Richmond Avenue, Suite 1LL, Staten Island, NY 10314

BioReference Laboratories and Parent Company Agree to Pay $9.85 Million to Resolve False Claims Act Allegations of Illegal Remuneration to Referring Physicians

 

BOSTON – BioReference Health, LLC, formerly known as BioReference Laboratories, Inc., (BioReference) and OPKO Health, Inc. (OPKO) have agreed to pay $9.85 million to resolve alleged violations of the False Claims Act. The government alleges that BioReference rented office space from physicians and then paid those physician-landlords above-market rent so that the physicians would send their laboratory business to BioReference. BioReference, a subsidiary of OPKO, is headquartered in New Jersey and is one of the largest clinical laboratories in the United States.

Between January 2013 and March 2021, BioReference made lease payments to physicians and physician groups for the rental of office space for amounts that exceeded fair market value, in violation of the Physician Self‑Referral Law and the Anti-Kickback Statute.  The Physician Self‑Referral Law, commonly known as the Stark Law, prohibits a health care provider from billing for certain services referred by physicians with whom the provider has a financial relationship, unless that relationship satisfies one of the law’s statutory or regulatory exceptions. The Anti‑Kickback Statute prohibits offering or paying remuneration with the intent to induce the referral of items or services covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and other federally funded programs. Both the Stark Law and the Anti-Kickback Statute are intended to ensure that physicians’ medical judgments are not compromised by improper financial inducements.

As part of today’s settlement, BioReference admitted that it rented the office space from the specified physician practices for Patient Service Centers (PSCs) where patients could have their blood samples taken. In calculating payments under certain PSC lease arrangements, BioReference inaccurately measured the amount of space it would use exclusively and included a disproportionate share of common spaces. BioReference analyzed referrals from nearby health care providers—including physician-landlords—when deciding whether to open, maintain, or close PSCs. Following OPKO’s acquisition of BioReference, the companies conducted multiple internal audits that showed that the payments to the specified physician-lessors exceeded fair market value. BioReference did not report or return any overpayments to federal health care programs.

“Medical decisions by doctors should be based on what is best for each patient, not a doctor’s personal financial interest,” said United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins. “When companies violate the federal health care laws that are meant to protect patients, health care costs for hard working people increase. We will continue to find fraud and use the False Claims Act to make companies that break the law pay back the taxpayers they defrauded as well as pay a financial price for their misconduct.”

“The integrity of federal health care programs depends on providers making decisions based on the interests of their patients,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “The Department of Justice and its agency partners are committed to enforcing laws prohibiting illegal financial arrangements that may distort health care decision-making and drive up costs to federal health care programs and patients.”

In connection with the False Claims Act settlement, BioReference and OPKO have also entered into a five-year Corporate Integrity Agreement with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, which provides for periodic reviews of BioReference’s processes, policies, and transactions for compliance with the Anti-Kickback Statute and the Stark Law by an Independent Review Organization. 

“This settlement is a warning to laboratories that think they can boost their profits by entering into improper financial arrangements with referring physicians,” said Special Agent in Charge Phillip M. Coyne of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General. “Working with our law enforcement partners, we will continue to crack down on such deals, which work to undermine impartial medical judgement, drive up health care costs, and corrode the public’s trust in the health care system.”

“Laboratories that scheme to enrich their businesses through health care fraud—such as by paying kickbacks—drive up health care costs for everyone,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “This settlement shows how seriously the FBI takes its responsibility to weed them out, and we’d also like to thank the whistleblower in this case for helping us ensure these entities are held accountable.”

“When health care companies pay unlawful remuneration to physicians and submit false claims for improper referrals, they undermine the integrity of TRICARE and place an unnecessary financial burden on the program,” stated Special Agent in Charge Patrick J. Hegarty of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, the law enforcement arm of the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General.  “The settlement agreement announced today demonstrates our ongoing commitment to work with our law enforcement partners to investigate healthcare fraud and protect TRICARE, the healthcare system for military members and their dependents.”

The False Claims Act allegations being resolved were originally brought in a lawsuit filed by a whistleblower under the qui tam provisions of the False Claims Act. Under those provisions, a private party can file an action on behalf of the government and share in any recovery.  In connection with today’s settlement, the whistleblower will receive 17 percent of the recovery. 

Under the settlement, the defendants will also pay approximately $145,000 to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the State of Connecticut to resolve alleged violations of their respective state False Claims Acts. 

U.S. Attorney Rollins, HHS-OIG SAC Coyne, FBI SAC Bonavolonta and DCIS SAC Hegarty made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alexandra Brazier and Charles B. Weinograd of Rollins’s Affirmative Civil Enforcement Unit, and Trial Attorney Douglas Rosenthal of the Justice Department’s Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch, handled the matter.

Consumer Alert: New York State Division of Consumer Protection Offers Tips for Summer Travel

 

Secretary of State, Robert J. Rodriguez says, “Planning for Cancellations and Delays and Building More Time in Your Itinerary Could Save You Frustration and Money”

Watch Video Here

 

New Yorkers Should Know Their Rights and Follow Basic Tips to Avoid Travel Scams

 

Does Travel Insurance Really Work or Help? What You Should Know

The New York State Division of Consumer Protection (DCP) reminds New Yorkers of their rights as summer travel heats up. Travel disputes remain one of the top complaints handled by DCP. In 2021, DCP fielded hundreds of complaints from consumers who had to cancel or reschedule their travel plans due to COVID-19. As more New Yorkers are traveling again, consumers should be informed of their rights, shop smart to safeguard their hard-earned money, and stay vigilant to protect themselves from scams.

“With flight cancellations spiking and airports overcrowding, planning ahead, and being prepared is the best way to avoid travel headaches,” said Secretary of State Robert Rodriguez, who oversees the Division of Consumer Protection. “If you plan to use air travel to support your travel plans, planning for cancellations and delays and building more time in your itinerary could save you frustration and money.”

 

Superintendent of Financial Services Adrienne A. Harris said, “During the height of summer travel season, I urge all New Yorkers to review their travel rights and follow basic tips to avoid scams. The Department of Financial Services is collaborating with the Division of Consumer Protection (DCP) to ensure that New York travelers have accurate information as they make or amend their summer travel arrangements. The Department recommends that consumers read travel policies carefully before purchasing to fully understand what is covered if travel plans are disrupted.”

SHOPPING SMART FOR TRAVEL

 

There are basic travel tips that consumers should be aware of when they are booking travel:

• Plan & Expect Cancellations and Delays. Pack a change of clothes, electronic device chargers and snacks in your carry-on luggage to support travel disruptions. A cancellation that impacts your return home will require additional resources, budget for an extra day or two to sustain until you can get home.
  
  
• Book early morning tickets.You will have greater options for getting to your destination timely.
  
  
• Consider traveling to a larger airport.Larger metropolitan airports offer more direct flights than regional airports. Direct flights avoid missed connections and cancellations in a city outside of your hometown or destination.
  
  
• Do your research. Consumers should always weigh in the factors of a trip before purchase, including price, location, availability of activities and cancellation policies. Also consider whether the location has any Covid-19 restrictions in place, such as testing or vaccination status, prior to booking the trip. For a secure, digital copy of your vaccination record and/or negative COVID test result, you can retrieve your Excelsior Pass Plus here.
  
  
• Get all confirmations in writing. To safeguard against scams via changes in agreements, consumers should always get confirmation of plans in writing whether booking online, over the phone, or in person. Retailers are required to disclose terms and conditions to consumers—always receive a copy of the agreement and save it for reference.
  
  
• Beware of “all inclusive” or too good to be true offers. All-inclusive offers sound great but can have hidden charges and fees in their terms and conditions. Consumers may not even be aware of such fees until check-out when their bill is higher than advertised. Sometimes these offers come with an agreement to join a membership or participate in a presentation. Always inquire about mandatory fees that may not appear in the advertised price, such as resort fees and taxes. Read the fine print when taking advantage of an “all-inclusive” offer.
  
  
• Evaluate the benefits of paying by your credit cards.Credit cards often offer more protection than paying by cash, check or debit card. Some credit card companies also offer perks like trip insurance or concierge service while traveling and may offer additional protections if the trip is cancelled. Check with your credit card company on the conditions of travel expenditure reimbursement.
  
  
• Review your travel agreements. The New York State Truth in Travel Act safeguards consumers against fraud, false advertising, misrepresentation, and other abuses. Travel agents and promoters must provide consumers with written disclosures of all the terms of the travel service within five days of purchase or agreement. Consumers should review the terms of the agreements fully upon receipt and ensure they align with what the consumer purchased. Consumers have until midnight of the third business day after receiving the agreement to cancel. Consumers can also cancel any time during the five-day period prior to receiving the disclosures.
  
  
• Use reputable travel agents/tour companies. Consumers should research thoroughly before choosing an agent or company to work with. Keep track of arrangements and contracts, and review terms and conditions, especially the cancellation and refund policies. Reservations often require a deposit that may not be refundable. If the trip is cancelled, the deposit might only be applied toward future travel or may be forfeited altogether. Consumers should be sure they understand the policy prior to putting down a deposit.
  
  
• Consider trip insurance and whether you need a 'Cancel for Any Reason' policy.Travel insurance can offer consumers relief in case of emergency before or during their trip, as coverage ranges from incidents of lost baggage to missed connections to potential medical emergencies. However, most standard travel insurance policies do not cover trip interruption or cancellation due to COVID-19 because such standard policies usually exclude coverage for an epidemic, pandemic, or similar public health event. Some trip insurance plans offer ‘Cancel for Any Reason’ coverage at an additional cost, which is often substantially higher than standard travel insurance and normally only allows up to 75 percent refund of traveler expenses if the trip is cancelled.?Prior to purchasing a plan, review the terms of the policy and ask your insurer about coverage that may be excluded.

TRIP CANCELLATION

When all or part of a trip is cancelled, the cancellation policy and a consumer’s right to a refund will vary depending on the laws that regulate the company’s industry, who initiates the cancellation, when the cancellation is made, and the company’s own policy.

• According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, airlines must offer refunds, including the ticket price and any optional fees charged, for cancelled or significantly delayed flights, even when flight disruptions are outside their control. If an airline isn’t doing that, consumers should report it to the U.S. Department of Transportation. If consumers cancel a reservation for any reason, consumers will be subject to the refund policy agreed to at the time of purchase, which may be no refund at all.
  
  
• Cruise Lines. Refund options may vary by cruise line. The cruise ticket contract lays out the company’s cancellation policies and your rights. For example, you may be offered a refund, credit, or voucher for a future cruise. If you opt for a credit or voucher, make sure the expiration date is far enough out that you can use it. Read more from the Federal Maritime Commissionabout consumer rights and the recourse that might be available to you.
  
  
• Cancellation policies for hotels, motels, and online accommodation marketplaces can vary greatly, even within the same company based on the season, room type, or length of stay. Some may offer a choice between a refundable or nonrefundable rate while making the reservation. Be sure you fully understand the cancellation policy prior to making a reservation.
  

If a consumer is having trouble getting a refund owed for all or part of a cancelled trip, they are encouraged to file a complaint with DCP.

SIGNS OF A TRAVEL SCAM

The Federal Trade Commission warns against common travel scams. Some signs of a scam when booking travel include the following:

• You have “won” a free vacation. Scammers will sometimes entice consumers with a free trip, but then disclose fees or deposits to get access. A prize should not include spending money and is likely a scam.
  
  
• The details of your trip are vague. Consumers may be offered a stay in a five-star hotel or on a luxury cruise line, but then few details about the trip are presented. Always confirm and review the name of the company and location of the trip details.
  
  
• You have limited time to accept the offer.Scammers often pressure consumers to make quick decisions about a deal, making it likely that the consumer will not have time to investigate the offer. Never feel pressured to agree to any terms you have not reviewed on your own.
  
  
• You must pay in an uncommon way. Cryptocurrency, wire transfers, and gift cards are difficult to trace and perfect for scammers looking to take advantage of consumers. These types of payments make it difficult for consumers to recoup their losses. If a travel company insists that you pay in one of these ways, decline the offer and report the company.
  

The New York State Division of Consumer Protection provides voluntary mediation between a consumer and a business when a consumer has been unsuccessful at reaching a resolution on their own. The Consumer Assistance Helpline 1-800-697-1220 is available Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 4:30pm, excluding State Holidays, and consumer complaints can be filed at any time at www.dos.ny.gov/consumerprotection. 

Travel insurance is regulated by the Department of Financial Services. Consumer with complaints about travel insurance policy or ‘Cancel for Any Reason’ coverage issued in New York or by New York companies should contact DFS at www.dfs.ny.gov/complaint or through the DFS Consumer Hotline at (800) 342-3736 (212) 480-6400 or (518) 474-6600 (Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM).

For more consumer protection tips, follow the Division on social media at Twitter: @NYSConsumer and Facebook: www.facebook.com/nysconsumer.

DEC Issues Fire Danger Reminder - A Dry Summer Increases Risk for Wildfires

 

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos today urged New Yorkers to practice the utmost safety when building campfires this summer. Dry weather throughout June and July has increased the risk of fires.

 

“The sunny, summer weather is giving people ample opportunity to enjoy New York’s outdoors, but it’s also increasing the risk for fires,” Commissioner Seggos said. “When building a campfire, please make sure to always keep an eye on it and pay attention to the wind. And when finished, make sure the fire is fully out and cold to the touch.”

 

The majority of the state remains at a moderate risk for fires, meaning that any outdoor fire can spread quickly, especially if the wind picks up. Campfires are among the top five causes of wildfires.

 

DEC continues to encourage New Yorkers and visitors to follow the recommendations below to reduce the risk of wildfires.

 

While camping in the backcountry, New Yorkers are advised to:

• Use existing campfire rings where possible;
• Build campfires away from overhanging branches, steep slopes, rotten stumps, logs, dry grass, and leaves. Pile extra wood away from the fire;
• Clear the area around the ring of leaves, twigs, and other flammable materials;
• Never leave a campfire unattended. Even a small breeze could cause the fire to spread quickly; and
• Drown the fire with water. Make sure all embers, coals, and sticks are wet. Move rocks as there may be burning embers underneath.

Fire safety tips for burning wood or brush:

• Never burn on a windy day;
• Check and obey all local laws and ordinances;
• Burn early in the morning when humidity is high and winds are low;
• Clear all flammable material for a distance of 10 to 15 feet around the fire;
• Keep piles to be burned small, adding small quantities of material as burning progresses;
• Always have a garden hose, shovel, water bucket, or other means to extinguish the fire close at hand; and
• When done, drown the fire with water, making sure all materials, embers, and coals are wet.

Do not burn household trash:

• Burning trash is prohibited statewide in all cases. Incinerator rules prohibit burning household trash in wood stoves, fireplaces, and outdoor wood boilers;
• DEC recommends recycling all appropriate materials (such as newspaper, paper, glass and plastic) and composting organic kitchen and garden waste;
• Burning leaves also is banned in New York State. DEC encourages composting of leaves; and
• Disposal of flags or religious items in a small-sized fire is allowed if it not otherwise prohibited by law or regulation.

For information on open burning and campfire safety in New York, go to DEC's Open Burning in New York and Fire Safety When Camping webpages.

 

For further questions about wildfires, call 1-833-NYS-RANGERS and call 911 to report a wildfire.

MAYOR ADAMS UNVEILS PHASE ONE OF “NYC FERRY FORWARD,” VISION FOR A MORE EQUITABLE, ACCESSIBLE, FISCALLY SUSTAINABLE SYSTEM

 

New Fair Fares-Style NYC Ferry Discount Program Will Make System More Equitable, Lower Prices for Low-Income Riders, Seniors, and People With Disabilities

 

New, Progressive Fare Structure Will Help Reduce Public Subsidy

 

Elimination of Bike Fee, Additional Outreach to NYCHA Residents, Support for Alternative Payment Methods Will Help Attract Riders

 New York City Mayor Eric Adams today unveiled “NYC Ferry Forward,” his vision for a more equitable, accessible, and fiscally sustainable citywide ferry system. The plan includes a new NYC Ferry Discount Program — modeled after the city’s Fair Fares program for subways and buses, which offers reduced-fair rides for seniors, people with disabilities, and low-income riders. Starting in September, a at least 1 million - New Yorkers can take advantage of the program and ride the ferry, one way, for the low price of $1.35. The plan also features a new, progressive fare structure, free trip vouchers and expanded outreach to NYCHA residents, makes it easier for New Yorkers to bike to and from the ferry, and creates opportunities for revenue generation.

 

“Getting around New York City shouldn’t feel like you’re running a 5K. Wherever you live in the five boroughs, we want you to have choices, and our vision for the NYC Ferry helps provide New Yorkers with those choices,” said Mayor Adams. “More and more New Yorkers are now using the NYC Ferry to get to work and get around, so we are writing a new chapter in the history of the NYC Ferry system and of transportation in our city — one built on the three pillars of equity, accessibility, and fiscal sustainability. Our NYC Ferry Forward vision will keep our city on the map as a leader and innovator in public transportation.”

 

“NYC Ferry not only connects waterfront communities long underserved by mass transit, but it has also proved to be a boon for small businesses in the neighborhoods it serves,” said Deputy Mayor for Economic and Workforce Development Maria Torres-Springer. “The NYC Ferry Forward plan will make the system more equitable, accessible, and financially sustainable. I thank the mayor for his vision, the EDC team for their stewardship of the system to date, and the work put into evolving the system to better serve New Yorkers and our communities.”

 

“We welcome all New Yorkers to experience NYC Ferry,” said New York City Economic Development President and CEO Andrew Kimball. “Under Mayor Adams’ new plan, we are prioritizing equity by reducing fares for lower-income riders, seniors, and people with disabilities, and we are launching new fare polices to optimize our cost structure, while exploring new opportunities to generate revenue. We are committed to improving NYC Ferry, so it operates more efficiently and continues to connect millions of New Yorkers to jobs, schools, recreation, and our waterfront communities.”

 

Eligible New Yorkers will be able to apply for the Ferry Discount Program using the NYC Ferry website or by mailing in an application. Once verified, eligible riders can buy discounted tickets through the NYC Ferry app or at NYC Ferry ticket windows and agents. The NYC Ferry app will also support digital wallet apps like Cash App to expand access for more New Yorkers. A discounted one-way ticket price of $1.35 will help to make the ferry accessible to even more New Yorkers, while also helping to diversify NYC Ferry's ridership.

 

To help more New Yorkers to apply for the Ferry Discount Program, NYC Ferry will send mailers this summer to almost 60 New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) developments within about one mile of each ferry landing, ahead of the program’s launch. Additionally, NYC Ferry in partnership with NYCHA and other community organizations to conduct targeted and ongoing outreach to NYCHA residents and offer two free NYC Ferry app tickets to encourage first time riders to explore and enjoy the ferry. The plan also focuses on increasing revenue and ridership by establishing a new, dynamic, and progressive fare structure, which reduces costs to the city. This means keeping the cost low for regular riders, while asking infrequent riders to pay a little more. The plan ensures everyday riders can still take advantage of the $2.75 fare by purchasing aa 10-trip pack for $27.50, while single ride fares will cost $4.00 for visitors or infrequent riders. This scale will allow the system to continue to best serve riders, while generating as much as $2 million in additional annual revenue, helping to reduce the system’s public subsidy.

 

Mayor Adams will also eliminate the $1.00 bike fee across the entire NYC Ferry system to help encourage environmentally sustainable multi-modal transportation. Now, New Yorkers are more encouraged to bike to and from the ferry, while also taking a mode of transportation that decreases commuters’ reliance on cars and simultaneously reducing the city’s carbon footprint. The elimination of the $1.00 bike fee and fare changes take effect on September 12, 2022. The city will be working with NYC Ferry operator City Experiences to implement these initiatives over the coming weeks.

 

“The NYC Ferry Forward plan is a needed and innovative step toward achieving a ferry system that is deeply accessible while also fiscally sustainable. I have worked closely with President Andrew Kimball and the team at EDC to make sure that we were keeping what was already great, while also thinking creatively and proactively on how to lower costs, increase ridership, and keep the ferries affordable for everyone,” said Council Member Amanda Farías, chair, Committee on Economic Development. “Thank you to Mayor Eric Adams for prioritizing affordability for the riders as well as the city’s pockets and to President Andrew Kimball for your commitment to improving our ferry system throughout these last seven months. I look forward to continuing to work together on the success of our NYC Ferry system.”

 

“I applaud the New York City Economic Development Corporation for unveiling a new plan for the NYC Ferry focused on equity and access for all New Yorkers,” said Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson. “For too long residents living in transportation deserts have faced long commutes each day lasting well over an hour each way. Yet, since its launch in Soundview in 2018, straphangers have seen their commutes decrease. With up to 35% of NYC Ferry riders from the Bronx, it is clear this program will benefit even more under this plan by allowing our NYCHA residents to ride for free and eliminating the $1 charge to bring your bike on board. This proposal is a step forward towards transit equity, financial sustainability, and to giving more of our residents access to our beautiful waterways.” 

 

In an effort to generate new revenue and continue increasing ridership, NYC Ferry will launch the Rockaway Rocket this month. The new, reservation-based shuttle pilot program with direct service from Pier 11 in Lower Manhattan to Rockaway. The shuttle will run on summer weekends and holidays from July 23 until Labor Day weekend, supplementing the current NYC Ferry service on the Rockaway route. Additionally, NYC Ferry will work to generate additional revenue by seeking new public-private sponsorship opportunities and developing a plan to maximize revenue from any underused vessels, including for film or TV productions. These opportunities will further reduce system costs and public subsidies in the future.

 

Additionally, New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC), which oversees NYC Ferry, will initiate a competitive, open bidding process for a new ferry operation contract this summer. This new contract will further allow the system to remain a permanent fixture of the New York City landscape.

 

The NYC Ferry system provides more than 6 million riders annually with safe, dependable, affordable, and accessible transit across the five boroughs. With six routes that touch every borough, 25 landings, and 38 vessels, the system spans 70 nautical miles and is now the largest passenger-only fleet in the nation, based on hours of service. NYC Ferry has further proven to be among New York City’s most resilient transit network with the fastest ridership recovery of any city transit system since the pandemic.

 

“Ferries are zipping around New York Harbor and local waterways reaching new corners of New York City and connecting communities, opening new recreational opportunities, and shortening commutes. We commend Mayor Adams and EDC for envisioning the next chapter of NYC Ferry’s growth by supporting revenue generation through a variety of new farebox collection options with equitable and fair ticketing for commuters,” said CEO and President of The Waterfront Alliance Cortney Worrall. “There is great opportunity to expand services to new locations, to identify transit deserts that would be well-served by ferries, and to increase revenue through new advertising, concessions, and partnerships. We urge the city and transit advocates to continue to comprehensively understand the benefits of New York City’s ferry system.”

 

“NYC Ferry connects communities across the city,” said Urban Upbound President and CEO Bishop Mitchell Taylor, “With the fare discounts and public engagement outlined in the NYC Ferry Forward plan, a greater number of New Yorkers will have the opportunity to benefit from the ferry’s links to where they work, where they live, and spaces for recreation. I applaud NYCEDC, NYC Ferry, and Mayor Adams on launching this next chapter for the ferry system and placing equity at its center.”