KZA Realty Group Helps Bring Full-Service Health Care Center to Tremont Renaissance with a Major Leasing Deal

 KZA Realty Group helped improve the quality of life in the Tremont section of the Bronx by bringing a full-service family health center to the new Tremont Renaissance building at 1910 Webster Avenue.

Kathy Zamechansky, owner and president of KZA Realty Group, represented Mastermind, Ltd . in the 15-year lease deal with the New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation. Michael Dubin and Hector Rodriguez at Savitt Partners, LLC, represented the city.

“Mastermind Development’s investment strategy requires us to add value to the communities we serve. This has been fundamental, and natural, to our vision as a lifelong New York, Bronx based company,” said Radame Perez, Chief Operating Officer. “From

the inception of planning Tremont Renaissance, our aim was to develop a property that addressed 3 critical areas that are in crisis throughout the city as a whole, but severely impact many neighborhoods in the outer boroughs - those would be, access to quality, sufficient, and affordable – housing, nutrition, and health care.“

The 15-year lease is valued at $14,146,767.86 and covers 21,643 square feet on the ground floor of one the most exciting new developments in the Bronx, a borough that is undergoing rapid transformation as the borough’s real estate boom continues.

“As soon as the developers started building the Tremont Renaissance, excitement began to ripple throughout the neighborhood,” said Kathy Zamechansky, owner and president of

KZA Realty Group. “The building is a catalyst and a reflection of the vitality that is energizing the Bronx.”

The Health and Hospitals Corp. plans to open a comprehensive family health center to provide pediatric, primary, urgent and elder care. Amenities at the pace-setting Tremont Renaissance, a mixed-income residential development consisting of 256 apartments and a

parking garage, include a fitness and yoga studio, a children’s play area, an internet lounge and rooftop terraces.

Radame Perez also added “With over 60% of our 256 apartments already occupied, 15,000 square feet of our 40,000 square foot commercial space open for business as a supermarket, and now a signed lease commitment for a full service Health Care Center to assume the remaining commercial space, we feel we’ve done well with Tremont Renaissance and are eternally grateful for KZA bringing the last piece of the puzzle to us with New York Health and Hospital.”

The location is a half-block from the Metro-North Tremont station (less than eight miles from Grand Central Terminal), two subway lines and several bus routes.

STATEMENT FROM MAYOR DE BLASIO ON NEW CORONAVIRUS CASE IN NEW YORK CITY

  “Three family members of the Westchester resident who was diagnosed yesterday with the Coronavirus have tested positive for the Coronavirus. A female child attends SAR Academy and High School in the Bronx. A male child attends Yeshiva University in Manhattan and has not been on campus since February 27. Both children and their mother, who also tested positive, remain in home isolation in Westchester.”

“Yeshiva University is working closely with the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene to take every necessary precaution to ensure the safety of students and the community. City disease detectives are on campus to identify close contacts of the student and connect those individuals to testing immediately. As of this morning, two contacts have transferred to Bellevue hospital for testing. We will continue working closely with our State partners to ensure we are doing everything we can to keep New Yorkers safe.”

Honduran Drug Trafficker Arrested In Florida On Drug Trafficking And Weapons Charges

Geovanny Daniel Fuentes Ramires Allegedly Conspired with High-Ranking Honduran Politicians and Members of the Honduran National Police to Operate a Cocaine Lab in Honduras and Distribute Cocaine Using Air and Maritime Routes

  Geoffrey S. Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Wendy Woolcock, Special Agent in Charge of the Special Operations Division of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”), announced today that GEOVANNY DANIEL FUENTES RAMIREZ was charged in Manhattan federal court with conspiring to import cocaine into the United States and related weapons offenses involving the use and possession of machineguns and destructive devices.  DEA agents arrested FUENTES RAMIREZ on March 1, 2020, at Miami International Airport as he attempted to depart the United States, and was presented yesterday afternoon in Miami federal court.

Manhattan U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said:  “As alleged, Geovanny Daniel Fuentes Ramirez was, up until his arrest by the DEA two days ago, a prolific, powerful, and murderous cocaine trafficker in Honduras.  As further alleged, Fuentes Ramirez paved the way for unimpeded shipment of multi-ton loads of cocaine by bribing police and a high-ranking Honduran politician, and reporting directly to Tony Hernandez, another co-conspirator in the scheme and himself a former Honduran congressman.  Thanks to the DEA, a key player in the unholy alliance of Honduran officials and drug traffickers is now in custody and facing a possible life behind bars.”

DEA Special Agent in Charge Wendy Woolcock said:  “The arrest of Geovanny Daniel Fuentes Ramirez is yet another example of DEA’s perseverance to bring to justice criminal associates of corrupt Honduran public officials and law enforcement officers who enabled the trafficking of massive amounts of cocaine headed to the United States.  These corrupt arrangements resulted in horrible violence in Honduras and beyond.  The DEA will continue to aggressively pursue and bring to justice those who participated in these activities, threatened the rule of law, and operated with complete disregard for human life for their financial gain.”

According to the allegations contained in the Complaint[1] charging FUENTES RAMIREZ, evidence presented at the October 2019 trial of Juan Antonio Hernandez Alvarado in the Southern District of New York, and statements in open court during the prosecution of Hernandez Alvarado:

Between approximately 2004 and 2020, multiple drug trafficking organizations in Honduras and elsewhere worked together, and with support from certain prominent public and private individuals, including Honduran politicians and law enforcement officials, to receive multi-ton loads of cocaine sent to Honduras from, among other places, Colombia via air and maritime routes, and to transport the drugs westward in Honduras toward the border with Guatemala and eventually to the United States.  For protection from law enforcement interference, and in order to facilitate the safe passage through Honduras of multi-ton loads of cocaine, FUENTES RAMIREZ and other drug traffickers paid bribes to Honduran public officials, including certain members of the Honduran National Police and the Honduran National Congress.  For example, following an October 2019 trial in the Southern District of New York, former Honduran congressman Juan Antonio Hernandez Alvarado was convicted of drug trafficking, weapons, and false statements charges related to his role in this scheme.  Hernandez Alvarado is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge P. Kevin Castel on April 15, 2020.   

Beginning in or about 2009, FUENTES RAMIREZ and others established and operated a cocaine laboratory in the Cortés Department of Honduras, where they produced hundreds of kilograms of cocaine each month.  FUENTES RAMIREZ worked with others to receive cocaine shipments and transport cocaine that he produced, including using planes that landed and departed from a clandestine airstrip that he operated near the Cortés Department.  In order to protect these large quantities of cocaine and his foothold as a large-scale drug trafficker in Honduras, FUENTES RAMIREZ and his workers used firearms, including 9 millimeter handguns, AK-47 assault rifles, and AR-15 assault rifles, and resorted to significant acts of violence, including murder.  In or about 2012, for example, after FUENTES RAMIREZ’s cocaine laboratory was raided by law enforcement, FUENTES RAMIREZ participated in the stabbing murder of a law enforcement official who FUENTES RAMIREZ believed to have been involved in the investigation of the laboratory. 

In or about 2013, FUENTES RAMIREZ paid at least approximately $25,000 to a high-ranking Honduran official referred to in the Complaint as “CC-4,” in exchange for protection from further interventions by law enforcement targeting FUENTES RAMIREZ and his drug trafficking activities.  Around the time of the bribe, during a series of meetings between FUENTES RAMIREZ, CC-4, and others, CC-4 expressed interest in access to FUENTES RAMIREZ’s cocaine laboratory because of its proximity to a major commercial shipping port, agreed to facilitate the use of Honduran armed forces personnel as security for FUENTES RAMIREZ’s drug trafficking activities, and instructed FUENTES RAMIREZ to report directly to Juan Antonio Hernandez Alvarado for subsequent drug trafficking activities.

The Complaint charges FUENTES RAMIREZ, 50, with: (1) conspiring to import cocaine into the United States, (2) using and carrying machine guns and destructive devices during and in relation to, and possessing machine guns and destructive devices in furtherance of, the cocaine importation conspiracy; and (3) conspiring to use and carry machine guns and destructive devices during and in relation to, and to possess machine guns and destructive devices in furtherance of, the cocaine importation conspiracy.  If convicted, FUENTES RAMIREZ faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and a maximum term of life in prison on Count One, a mandatory minimum sentence of 30 years in prison and a maximum term of life in prison on Count Two, a maximum term of life in prison on Count Three. 

Mr. Berman praised the outstanding investigative work of the DEA’s Special Operations Division Bilateral Investigations Unit and Strike Force.

The charges in the Complaint are merely accusations, and FUENTES RAMIREZ is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

 [1]  As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Complaint and the description of the Complaint set forth herein, constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.

BRONX MAN INDICTED IN MURDER OF INFANT SON BY PLACING PILLOWS ON HIS HEAD, SMOTHERING HIM

Defendant Also Indicted for Beating the Infant’s Mother 

  Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark today announced that a Bronx man has been indicted on Murder and Manslaughter charges in the death of his six-week-old son. 

 District Attorney Clark said, “The defendant had complete disregard for the life of his infant son and allegedly killed him by smothering him with a pillow. We will hold him accountable for the death of this six-week-old defenseless child named Kaseem. The defendant is also charged with assaulting Kaseem’s mother last year while she was pregnant with him.” 

 District Attorney Clark said the defendant, Teshawn Watkins, 27, of 3642 Holland Avenue, was arraigned today on two counts of second-degree Murder, first and second-degree Manslaughter, two counts of Criminal Obstruction of Breathing or Blood Circulation, first-degree Reckless Endangerment, Attempted Assault in the second degree, Endangering the Welfare of a Child and third-degree Assault before Bronx Supreme Court Justice George Villegas. The defendant was remanded and is due back in court on May 20, 2020.

 According to the investigation, in the early morning of January 29, 2020, the defendant was in the apartment he shared with his girlfriend, Celicia Reyes, and their three children when his six-week-old son, Kaseem Watkins, began to cry. The defendant allegedly became irate with the baby’s crying and placed pillows on the infant, blocking his nose and mouth. The defendant went back to sleep and when he woke up, he saw the infant unconscious. The mother called 911 and the child wastaken to Montefiore Medical Center where he was pronounced dead. An autopsy report revealed the child died of asphyxia due to smothering.

 According to the investigation, the defendant allegedly placed pillows over Kaseem’s head on at least one other occasion prior to the fatal incident, sometime between December 9, 2019 and January 29, 2020. Video from a baby monitor camera allegedly shows Watkins grabbing Kaseem by the head and spinning his head, causing the child’s body to flail into the air, and then covering the baby with pillows. Another video allegedly shows the defendant smothering and punching Reyes inside their home on October 27, 2019, while she was pregnant with Kaseem.

  District Attorney Clark also thanked Detective Robert Regnier of the 47th Precinct and Detective Sean Butler of the Bronx Homicide Squad. 

 An indictment is an accusatory instrument and not proof of a defendant’s guilt.

NEW JERSEY MAN INDICTED IN MACHETE ATTACK ON EX-GIRLFRIEND IN BRONX BUILDING

Victim Had to Undergo Reconstructive Surgeries on Face, Hand

  Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark today announced that a New Jersey man has been indicted on Attempted Murder and Assault in a machete attack on his ex-girlfriend that has left her with life-altering injuries. 

 District Attorney Clark said, “The defendant allegedly struck this 20-year-old woman, who is the mother of his two-year-old daughter, in her face, hand and neck with a machete. She survived the brutal attack but will live with grievous wounds and enduring trauma. She has shown great courage and we will bring justice for her.” 

 District Attorney Clark said the defendant, Hector de la Cruz, 27, of Paterson, N.J., was arraigned today on Attempted Murder in the second degree, two counts of first-degree Assault, two counts of second-degree Assault, and fourth-degree Criminal Possession of a Weapon before Bronx Supreme Court Justice George Villegas. Bail was set at $500,000 cash/$500,000 bond/$500,000 bond partially secured at ten percent. The defendant is due back in court on May 27, 2020

  According to the investigation, at approximately 9 p.m. on February 21, 2020 inside the lobby of 2685 Grand Concourse, the defendant allegedly approached Lisbeth Acosta-Ramirez, 20, with a machete and attempted to cause her death by striking her on the right side of her face, her right hand and the back of her neck, causing deep bleeding lacerations. Acosta-Ramirez was taken to St. Barnabas Hospital and underwent reconstructive and life-saving surgery.

 District Attorney Clark thanked 52 nd Precinct Officers who responded, particularly Police Officer Anthony Laquidara and Police Officer Rolando DeLeon, for their assistance

An indictment is an accusatory instrument and not proof of a defendant’s guilt. 

STATEMENT FROM MAYOR BILL DE BLASIO ON NEW CORONAVIRUS CASE IN NEW YORK STATE

 “Yesterday, a New York State resident with respiratory issues was diagnosed with the Coronavirus at a New York City hospital.  The patient remains hospitalized and is in serious condition.  City and State disease detectives are working closely to identify close contacts and the appropriate next steps. The test was conducted by the New York City Public Health Laboratory on our first day of testing. With the results confirmed within a number of hours, we were immediately able to take next steps to stop the spread of this virus. We have said from the beginning that it is likely we will see more positive cases of the Coronavirus. We are working closely with our State and Federal partners to ensure we are taking the highest precautions to keep New Yorkers safe.”

11 Members Of Money Laundering Ring Charged

Defendants Received and Laundered Proceeds of Online Fraud Schemes Involving Over $5 Million of Intended Loss

 Geoffrey S. Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York,  Patrick Freaney, Deputy Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Office of the United States Secret Service (“Secret Service”), Troy Miller, Director of New York Field Operations for United States Customs and Border Protection (“CBP”), and William F. Sweeney Jr., Assistant Director-in-Charge of the New York Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”),  announced today the arrests of JACOB SAGIAO, MARYLYNN PENEUETA, BRITT JACKSON, JOSHUA FITTEN, DONTAE COTTRELL, ARINZE OBIKA, HERMAN BASS, DAVID URO, and PRINCE UKO for money laundering and wire fraud schemes.  Eight of the defendants were presented before United States Magistrate Judges in three federal judicial districts on February 27 and 28.  UKO will be presented before a United States Magistrate Judge in the Northern District of Georgia later today.  Two other defendants, VICTOR AHAIWE and NDUKWE ANYAOGU, remain at large.

U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said:  “As alleged, the defendants conspired to launder the proceeds of online fraud schemes that deceived victims into sending the defendants more than $5 million.  Thanks to the Secret Service and CBP, nine of the defendants are in custody, and all 11 face serious federal charges.”           

Secret Service Deputy Special Agent in Charge Patrick Freaney said:  “The U.S. Secret Service is dedicated to the pursuit and investigation of those responsible for committing cyber-enabled fraud.  The success of this investigation is the result of a collaborative effort between the New York Field Office of the Secret Service and the U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Southern District of New York.  Additionally, I would like to recognize the efforts of the Atlanta Field Office and Los Angeles Field Office of the Secret Service for their invaluable assistance that have made this investigation a success.”

CBP Director of New York Field Operations Troy Miller said:  “This case exemplifies the collaborative law enforcement efforts to combat transnational criminal organizations. U.S. Customs and Border Protection is proud to have collaborated with our fellow law enforcement partners during this investigation leading to today’s arrests.”

FBI Assistant Director William F. Sweeney Jr. said:  “The threat of cyber-enabled fraud has long been publicized, and many people assume they know enough to avoid being victimized by this type of crime.  The truth is, however, fraudsters are often very skilled at targeting their victims and masking their behavior in a way that often goes undetected until it’s too late.  Today’s charges are yet another reminder to the public to exercise due diligence in both personal and professional online settings as we work together to defeat cybercrime worldwide.”

According to the allegations in the two Complaints charging the defendants:[1]

From at least in or about July 2018 up to and including at least in or about November 2019, SAGIAO, PENEUETA, JACKSON, FITTEN, COTTRELL, OBIKA, BASS, URO, AHAIWE, ANYAOGU, and UKO received and laundered the proceeds of three business email compromise schemes, in which the corporate and organizational victims were fraudulently induced to send nearly $5 million to bank accounts controlled by SAGIAO, OBIKA, and others.

From at least in or about June 2019 up to and including the present, JACKSON participated in and received proceeds from an online romance fraud scheme, in which the victim was fraudulently induced to send over $130,000 to JACKSON and others.

In or about October 2018, ANYAOGU participated in and received proceeds from an email compromise scheme, in which a foreign law firm was fraudulently induced to transfer approximately $380,000, intended for another person, to a bank account ANYAOGU controlled.

In or about February 2020, UKO made the false statements to federal law enforcement officers that he had never exchanged text messages with a co-conspirator and that certain transactions were for a textile business rather than to launder the proceeds of criminal activity.

SAGIAO, PENEUETA, JACKSON, FITTEN, COTTRELL, OBIKA, BASS, URO, AHAIWE, and ANYAOGU are charged with: (1) conspiracy to commit bank fraud, and (2) conspiracy to commit money laundering.  AHAIWE is also charged with aggravated identity theft, and JACKSON and ANYAOGU are also charged with wire fraud.  UKO is charged with conspiracy to commit money laundering and making false statements in a matter within the jurisdiction of the executive branch of the Government of the United States.  Conspiracy to commit bank fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1349, carries a maximum term of 30 years in prison.  Conspiracy to commit money laundering, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1956(h), carries a maximum term of 20 years in prison.  Aggravated identity theft, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1028A, carries a mandatory consecutive term of two years in prison.  Wire fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1343, carries a maximum term of 20 years in prison.  Making a false statement in a matter within the jurisdiction of the executive branch of the Government of the United States, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1001, carries maximum term of five years in prison.  The maximum potential sentences and the mandatory minimum sentences are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants would be determined by the judge. 

Mr. Berman praised the outstanding investigative work of the Secret Service, and, in particular, the Secret Service’s Electronic Crimes Task Force, CBP, the FBI, and special agents of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York.  The prosecution of this case is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Unit.  Assistant United States Attorneys Jun Xiang and Kevin Mead are in charge of the prosecution.

The charges contained in the Complaints are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Attorney General James Releases Top 10 Consumer Frauds Of 2019

Internet, Automobile, Consumer Services, and Housing Issues

AG James Provides Tips to Avoid Scams, Urges

New Yorkers to Immediately Report Fraud to Her Office

  New York Attorney General Letitia James kicked off National Consumer Protection Week by releasing the list of top 10 consumer fraud complaints received by her office in 2019, in addition to a variety of tips on how New Yorkers can avoid future scams.  

“This top 10 list not only reflects the numerous ways in which consumers were unfortunately defrauded, cheated, and conned in 2019, but should serve as a warning sign for all consumers as we forge ahead into 2020,” said Attorney General James. “Consumers who have helped identify and report issues to our office have been invaluable partners in our efforts to stop deceptive scams and will be vital in our efforts to stop fraudsters dead in their tracks going forward. My office will continue to use every tool at its disposable to protect New York consumers and enforce our laws.”  

After analyzing consumer complaints received statewide throughout 2019, the Office of the New York Attorney General found that internet-related complaints topped the list of complaints for the 14th year in a row, with 4,436 complaints last year. This category covered a range of issues, including internet services and service providers, data privacy and security, digital media, data breaches, and frauds through internet manipulation. Consumer-related service complaints were second on the list with 2,659 complaints, in areas such as banking, immigration services, security systems, technical repairs, and schools. Automobile sales, service, financing, and repairs ranked third with 2,510 complaints, followed by 1,910 landlord/tenant complaints, which included complaints about rent security deposits and tenant harassment. Rounding out the top five were 1,811 utility-related complaints, which included complaints about cable and satellite companies, energy services and suppliers, and wireless phone carriers.   

The following are the top 10 consumer complaints by category in 2019: 

RANKING	CATEGORY	NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS
1	Internet-Related (internet services and service providers, data privacy and security, digital media, data breaches, frauds through internet manipulation)	4,436
2	Consumer-Related (security systems, tech repairs, immigration services, consignment shops)	2,659
3	Automobile (buying, leasing, repair, service contracts, rentals)	2,510
4	Landlord/Tenant Disputes(security deposit releases, tenant-harassment)	1,910
5	Utilities (wireless and residential phones, energy servicers and suppliers, cable and satellite)	1,811
6	Credit (debt collection, credit card billing,  debt settlement and debt relief, payday loans, credit  repair, credit reporting agencies, identity theft)	1,206
7	Retail Sales (any sale of goods: food, clothing, rent-to-own, online orders)	1,091
8	Home Repair/Construction(home improvement services not delivered or done poorly)	901
9	Mail Order and Online Catalogs (purchases made via mail order or online catalog)	593
10	Mortgage (mortgage modifications, mortgage and loan broker fraud, foreclosures)	493

Attorney General James also offered consumers the following list of tips they should use to protect themselves and their families going into 2020:  

1. Internet: If you receive a telephone call or a pop-up message from your 
   internet browser indicating that your computer is infected by a virus and that you must call a number immediately, you are likely being targeted by scammers. Microsoft, Dell, Apple, and other companies almost never call or send unsolicited email messages indicating a problem with a computer.  Be especially vigilant if someone asks you to pay in Bitcoin or gift cards.  If you have given scammers access to your computer, uninstall any applications the scammer had you install, run antivirus software, and consider reformatting your device. While reformatting a device may be time-consuming and may involve the loss of data, it offers consumers more protection. Apply all security updates as soon as they are available and change your passwords often.    
   
   
2. Debt Relief Services: Debt relief service scams target consumers by falsely promising to eliminate or otherwise reduce their debt. In some student loan debt relief schemes, the companies impersonate the federal government and promise to help students enroll in government programs that would reduce or forgive their debt. These companies may charge an up-front fee, which is illegal. Rather than paying for these expensive services, student loan borrowers can obtain these services through their student loan servicer at no charge. 
   Consumers can find more information on how to protect themselves against these scammers on the Attorney General’s website.  
   
   
3. Automobiles: Beware of deceptive sales tactics when purchasing or leasing a car.  Do not sign a blank document that does not have numbers or terms filled in.  Make sure that what you are signing is consistent with what the salesperson told you and that you are not being charged for any extra accessories or products that you did not ask for, such as warranties, tire and wheel protection, and vin etching.  Never sign documents or leave the dealership with a car until you have reviewed all of your paperwork carefully.  Also, ask the salesperson or finance manager about any fees or charges you do not understand and whether they are required by law. Ask for an exact copy of every document you sign to take with you.   
   
   
4. Landlord/Tenant Disputes: Tenants in New York State have new rights and protections, ending the need to pay high fees or risk eviction. For example, 
   before signing a lease, a landlord can charge $20, at most, for a credit and background check, and they can only charge up to one month of rent for a security deposit or “advance payment.” This applies to all residential rentals, with a few exceptions, whether you have a lease or not. There are additional protections for late fees and eviction, including a landlord’s obligation to send you a written notice by certified mail every time you are more than five days late with your rent, and the inability to charge more than $50 or five-percent of your monthly rent, whichever is lower, as a late fee. Additionally, if you leave your apartment or other rental home before your lease term ends, your landlord has to make a good-faith effort to fill the vacancy. If the landlord finds a new tenant, and the new tenant’s rent is equal or higher to your rent, your lease is considered terminated and you are no longer liable for the rent. More information on NYS rent laws can be found on the Attorney General’s website. 
   If you are protected by rent regulation laws or suspect that you should be protected, you can visit NYS's Homes and Community Renewal website. 
   Consumers can also go online for help finding an attorney.   
   
   
5. Utilities: Many consumers are confused about energy service companies (ESCO) that offer to sell them electricity or gas.  Consumers do not need to purchase these services through an ESCO, and instead can purchase their energy directly from their local utilities. Oftentimes, ESCOs engage in deceptive practices to induce consumers to switch to their services, such as promising savings or 100-percent green energy, or switching consumers without their consent. Before accepting ESCO service, consumers should ask how their rates compare to the rates provided directly from utility companies, and whether their purchase of an ESCO’s green product will actually support the environment.  Finally, all consumers should remember that if they sign up with any ESCO, they have three days to change their minds without incurring any obligations.   
   
   
6. Credit: Given the prevalence of data breaches by major corporations, consumers should consider a credit freeze with the three major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.  A credit freeze lets you restrict access to your credit report, which offers the highest level of protection against someone opening a new account in your name.  Credit freezes and unfreezes are now free under law.  Fraud alerts, which are also free, can now be obtained for a year and require businesses to take reasonable steps to ensure that the person who is applying for credit in a particular name is indeed that person and not someone else.     
   
   
7. Retail Sales: Rent-to-own transactions may provide quick access to household goods for low weekly or monthly payments, but consumers often end up paying far more than the retail price of the item. If you suddenly can’t afford the payments, you will lose the product and the money you’ve already paid. Before entering into a rental purchase agreement, be sure to read and understand all terms and ask questions, including: How much are the monthly payments? What other monthly fees apply? What is the total dollar cost to own the item? Who pays for repairs? Is there a penalty for paying off the item early? More information about rent-to-own transactions can be found on the Attorney General’s website.  
   
   
8. Home Improvement: Many consumers are turning to solar energy for their homes. However, it’s important that homeowners thoroughly research the companies and the different products available before making a decision. Some companies offer “Power Purchase Agreements” or “PPAs,” where the company owns the panels and you pay for the power produced by the panels, while others allow you to pay for the panels themselves and own the solar energy produced. You will still pay your energy company certain set fees, as well as pay for any additional energy you need beyond what the panels produce. Be mindful that PPAs are long-term contracts, generally for 20 years, and cannot be cancelled without severe penalties. For more information about solar panels, visit the Attorney General’s website.   
   
   
9. Online Sales: Negative option marketing is a popular form of sales online, where online merchants treat a consumer’s failure to reject an offer or cancel an agreement as their approval to be charged for goods and services on a recurring basis, often monthly. An online merchant may offer you a “FREE” or “TRIAL” offer for heavily discounted goods or services and, after the trial period ends, automatically begin charging a recurring fee to your credit card unless you cancel. Make sure to read all terms and conditions before you make a purchase, know when your “trial” offer period ends, monitor your credit card and bank statements for any unauthorized or recurring charges, and, if you discover such charges, demand a refund and contact your bank to stop all future payments.   
   
   
10. Mortgage: Homeowners should be watchful of deed theft scams that prey on those who are having difficulty making their monthly mortgage payments and who may already be in foreclosure.  Individuals and companies often claim that they will make homeowner’s monthly mortgage payments in exchange for temporarily holding the deed to the home — thereby allowing the homeowner to remain in the home as a renter until the homeowner can afford to resume making monthly mortgage payments. In reality, these scammers steal the deed to the home and attempt to evict the homeowner.  Consumers who have been a victim of a scam to transfer their home ownership can file a complaint on the Attorney General’s website.    

Attorney General James reminds consumers that in addition to being vigilant, they should report instances of fraud to her office. Consumers are encouraged to file complaints by completing and submitting a Consumer Frauds Bureau Online Complaint Form or by calling (800) 771-7755.