Rochester-Based Scam Nets $8 Million in Fraudulent Billings

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of New York has expanded its investigation into a COVID-era cleaning supply scam, revealing $8 million in fraudulent billings. From January 2019 to January 2022, the defendants billed 5,458 businesses for cleaning products under fake company names. Exploiting the pandemic, they sent small, seemingly legitimate invoices that were often paid without scrutiny.

The fraudulent invoices, sent from Rochester under names like North Atlantic Supply and Top Tier Chemicals, included language on the second page indicating no obligation to pay, allowing defendants to claim they were merely soliciting business. Payments received amounted to over $8 million, with most companies paying a few hundred dollars each.

John Engler and Alec Dierna, both currently residing in Florida, along with Nicholas Scarantino of California, have been charged with conspiracy to commit mail fraud. In March, three others, including Heather Dierna of Rochester, were also charged.

Source: Rochester First