Long Island Resident's Video Game scheme led into a downfall!

Have you ever received spam calls, texts, emails, or even an online shopping offer that is "too good to be true"? It is widely known that in today's society, people can use counterfeit items and sell them for an equal or higher amount to buyers across Amazon, E-bay, and much more. A clear example of this happening recently is with the sales of fake Nintendo gaming products. As 2025 introduces new and exciting digital gameplay including Xbox, PlayStation and Virtual Reality, there was a simpler time where Nintendo took the stage as the main device for video games. In the late 80s, the United States showed the world this gaming system as it was first familiarized in Japan. Currently, a 34 year old resident in Nassau County, specifically in Lawrence NY named Isaac Lapidus has been scamming many customers into making millions of dollars for himself over the past 7 years. It was reported that the man was storing these devices inside a warehouse where it seemed to look legitimate from the outside according to nearby neighbors. It wasn't until a product reviewer contacted an online retailer showing suspicion of illegitimate products. From here, the online retailer reached out through the Nassau County Police Department and eventually the owners of Nintendo to thoroughly check the product to see if they were legit. Therefore after pleading not guilty and claimed signs of conspiracy, he is now found guilty as he will face 15 years locked up for his scamming scheme. 

Something that us viewers can take from this news and article is to always double check what we are paying for as it could be from a false website with missing materials. Luckily there are resources that can prevent this from happening to more than one person. Reach out, be safe and never give out financial information to someone or somewhere that seems shady and untrustworthy. Hopefully everyone is enjoying the first week of September. Colder weather is approaching us as we are headed into hoodie and sweatpants season. Enjoy this weekend and enjoy the last few days of Summer!