Fake Lanternfly Permit Scam
Pennsylvania sues Idaho resident for selling fake spotted lanternfly permits to businesses
Anonymous
Key Points
1
The legitimate permit process requires individuals and businesses to complete training offered by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture and Penn State Extension, then take a test.
2
The permit requirement applies to businesses traveling or shipping within, or from, spotted lanternfly quarantine areas.
3
The state filed its case in the Dauphin County Court of Common Pleas, asking that court to bar Wardell and Diverse Solutions from doing business in Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday has sued Idaho resident Kevin Wardell and his company, Diverse Solutions, for allegedly selling fake spotted lanternfly permits and training to state businesses. MCAll reports that Wardell used the false name
The scam targeted businesses in Pennsylvania's quarantine areas, where only legitimate permits from the state agriculture department are required. MyChesco reports that some recipients paid for the fraudulent permits after receiving official-looking solicitations that threatened civil or criminal penalties for non-compliance. The real permits and training are free through the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture and Penn State Extension.
How the Spotted Lanternfly Scam Worked
Wardell mailed fake permits to Pennsylvania businesses and residents, using official-sounding names and state-like logos, according to Echo Pilot. The solicitations falsely appeared to come from the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. They included threats of fines or jail time for failing to comply with the fake requirements. Some recipients, believing the notices were legitimate government documents, paid for the fraudulent permits and training courses.
What Legitimate Permits Actually Require
Businesses and workers operating in spotted lanternfly quarantine areas must obtain a real permit to move goods or travel between zones. The process is simple: complete free training from the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture or Penn State Extension, then pass a test. No fees or private companies are involved. The state created these permits to stop the invasive insect from spreading beyond quarantine areas.
Pennsylvania Seeks Statewide Ban and Restitution
Attorney General Sunday filed the case in Dauphin County Court of Common Pleas, asking the court to permanently bar Wardell and Diverse Solutions from doing business in Pennsylvania. Butler Radio reports the state is also seeking restitution for all residents and businesses who paid for the fake permits. The lawsuit aims to stop the scam before more people fall victim to the fraud.
Sentiment
Mostly NegativeNEGATIVENEUTRALPOSITIVE
Publishers
14
Articles
12
Reach
26
A
AnonymousAuthor
