From PhillyVoice · · 1m 40s
Pennsylvania sues scammer for fake lanternfly permits
Pennsylvania sues Idaho man for selling fake permits to stop spotted lanternflies.
In brief
Pennsylvania sues Idaho man for selling fake permits to stop spotted lanternflies. Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office sued Kevin Wardell for selling fraudulent permits and training courses to businesses under the guise of a fake Spotted Lanternfly Commission. Originally reported by PhillyVoice.
Pennsylvania sues scammer
Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office sued Kevin Wardell for selling fraudulent permits and training courses to businesses under the fake Spotted Lanternfly Commission.
“Kevin Wardell, of Idaho, sent fraudulent letters threatening businesses to comply with quarantine orders, prosecutors say.”
Scam targeted businesses
Wardell's letters with deceptive logos tricked businesses into believing they were from the state Department of Agriculture.
“The letters promoted fraudulent courses for spotted lanternfly containment, which typically involves targeting the insects at various stages of their life cycle.”
Quarantine order requires permits
Most of Pennsylvania is under a quarantine order for spotted lanternflies, requiring some businesses to get permits from the Department of Agriculture.
“The order requires some businesses to obtain a permit from the Department of Agriculture to prevent infestations from spreading to other areas, and getting a license involves completing a free course and passing a test certified by the state.”
Wardell's company sold fake permits
Wardell and his Idaho-based company, Diverse Solutions, LLC, sold fraudulent permits under the made-up Spotted Lanternfly Commission.
“The lawsuit claims Kevin Wardell and his Idaho-based company, Diverse Solutions, LLC, solicited and sold businesses fraudulent permits under the guise of the made-up "Spotted Lanternfly Commission."”
Scam letters threatened penalties
Wardell's letters threatened businesses with civil and criminal penalties if they failed to comply with the state's order.
“Prosecutors said the letters Wardell sent threatened businesses with civil and criminal penalties if they failed to immediately comply with the state's order.”
Attorney General's warning
Attorney General Dave Sunday said scammers do not help keep crops safe from spotted lanternflies; legitimate training is free through the Department of Agriculture and Penn State Extension.
“They aren't the only pests that are harming Pennsylvanians," Attorney General Dave Sunday said in a statement. "Scammers peddling fraudulent trainings and fake permits do not help anyone keep their crops safe from this destructive species. Legitimate training and permits are available for free through the Department of Agriculture and Penn State Extension."”
Lawsuit seeks restitution
The lawsuit seeks to prevent Wardell from operating in Pennsylvania and compel him to pay restitution to businesses that purchased fraudulent services.
“The lawsuit, filed in the Dauphin County Court of Common Pleas, seeks to prevent Wardell and his business from operating in Pennsylvania. It also seeks to compel Wardell to pay restitution to businesses that purchased fraudulent training courses and permits, in addition to pursuing civil penalties.”
Spotted lanternflies detected in 2014
Spotted lanternflies were first detected in Berks County in 2014 and peaked in the Philadelphia region in 2020.
“Spotted lanternflies were first detected in the United States in Berks County in 2014.”
Scam affects Pennsylvania businesses
Wardell's scam targeted Pennsylvania businesses that were required to obtain permits under the state's quarantine order for spotted lanternflies.
“The majority of Pennsylvania is under a quarantine order for the sap-sucking, colorful pests that threaten crops ranging from grapevines and timber to tree fruits and hops.”
The main idea
Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office sued Kevin Wardell for selling fraudulent permits and training courses to businesses under the guise of a fake Spotted Lanternfly Commission.
