Category Archives: Corruption, Fraud & theft

Florida HOA, condo insurance scams, fraud in the news

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By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities Two recent reports highlight insurance scams and fraud in Florida. Condo owner waits more than eight months for repairs after bathroom flood WFTS recently assisted Bill Honan, a frustrated condo owner in Tampa. A bathroom plumbing failure flooded his condo last fall. Restoration contractor, Synergy Contracting Group ripped out wet flooring and drywall, and began the process of drying out his home. Synergy’s representative also insisted that Honan fill Continue ReadingFlorida HOA, condo insurance scams, fraud in the news→

Reserve account realities: what the HOA industry won’t tell you

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By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities Homeowners’ association industry trade groups have been beating the drum about the importance of strong reserve accounts for many years. It seems like common sense advice for HOAs to plan for future expenses. But planning for future financial solvency is not as simple as reserving at least 10% of the Association’s monthly, quarterly, or annual fees. There are several important factors to consider, which I’ll explain in this article. Continue ReadingReserve account realities: what the HOA industry won’t tell you→

HOA, condo, & co-op corruption and fraud roundup (May 2019)

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By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities This month: An affordable housing bribery scheme; Condo election ballot fraud; one community association manager sentenced and another under investigation for massive fraud and embezzlement involving dozens of condo HOAs. Bribes for affordable co-op apartments (NY) New York District Attorney Eric Gonzalez recently indicted three women in an alleged affordable housing fraud scheme. Two co-op board members of Luna Park and office manager of Metro Management are accused of Continue ReadingHOA, condo, & co-op corruption and fraud roundup (May 2019)→

Why did it take years to discover a $2.5 million HOA fraud scheme?

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By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities   Maryland Attorney General Brain Frosh filed a complaint in April against Evergreen Management, LLC, and its owner, Jason Barry Oseroff. The AG alleges a whopping $2.5 million fraud scheme against thirteen homeowners and condominium associations. How could such egregious fraud escape detection for more than ten years?   About Evergreen Management Evergreen Management, LLC, was founded in December 2005 and stopped doing business in early 2018. The company Continue ReadingWhy did it take years to discover a $2.5 million HOA fraud scheme?→