News
Smith School News
November 17, 2025
Ghosts in the Classroom: How AI Fraud Is Haunting College Campuses
As International Fraud Awareness Week marks 25 years, the Smith School’s Samuel Handwerger warns that AI is fueling both false cheating accusations and large-scale “ghost student” financial-aid fraud—revealing how technology now endangers academic integrity, accountability, and public trust.
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Ghosts in the Classroom: How AI Fraud Is Haunting College Campuses
October 23, 2025
UMD Justice for Fraud Victims and State’s Attorney Partner to Fight Financial Crime in Frederick
The University of Maryland’s Justice for Fraud Victims program is partnering with the Frederick County State’s Attorney’s Office Economic Crimes Unit to fight financial crime, following a successful Prince George’s County collaboration, providing forensic accounting and courtroom support for investigations.
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UMD Justice for Fraud Victims and State’s Attorney Partner to Fight Financial Crime in Frederick
September 21, 2025
TerpTax: Social Media Tax Scam Epidemic
Sam Handwerger warns that TikTok is spreading 2025 tax scams, from fuel credit claims to fake W-2s and bogus self-employment credits. With AI voice cloning adding risks, the IRS created CASST and issued alerts urging caution over online tax advice.
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TerpTax: Social Media Tax Scam Epidemic
July 10, 2025
Uncle Sam's Birthday Gift: How Trump Accounts Could Change the Game for Young Families
Trump Accounts, introduced in the 2025 “One Big Beautiful Bill,” offer newborns $1,000 in government-seeded savings accounts for births between 2025–2028. Families can contribute up to $5,000 yearly with tax-free growth and flexible future-use options.
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Uncle Sam's Birthday Gift: How Trump Accounts Could Change the Game for Young Families
June 23, 2025
TerpTax: A Guide to NIL Taxes
NIL deals offer student-athletes new income—but also tax obligations. Smith lecturer Samuel Handwerger explains how earnings are taxed, what to watch for, and why planning, record-keeping and resources like TerpTax are key to staying financially and legally safe.
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TerpTax: A Guide to NIL Taxes
June 5, 2025
TerpTax: When Your 'Internship' Makes You an Independent Contractor
Interns misclassified as independent contractors can face unexpected tax burdens and loss of protections. Samuel Handwerger advises students to clarify work terms, consider negotiating pay, and understand the financial responsibilities tied to independent contractor status.
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TerpTax: When Your 'Internship' Makes You an Independent Contractor
June 4, 2025
Criminal Calculations
University of Maryland students in the Justice for Fraud Victims Project aided police in a high-profile murder case, analyzing financial records to help establish motive. Their work contributed to a first-degree murder conviction and life sentence.
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Criminal Calculations
May 5, 2025
When Tax Scams Hit Home: What to Know About Theft Loss Deductions
Samuel Handwerger, CPA and TerpTax faculty advisor, explains how victims of investment scams may qualify for theft loss tax deductions under IRS rules. He outlines key eligibility criteria, recent IRS guidance, and the importance of intent, documentation, and expert advice.
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When Tax Scams Hit Home: What to Know About Theft Loss Deductions
April 25, 2025
When the IRS Comes Knocking: Understanding 501c3 Status Revocation
By Samuel Handwerger, CPA, Faculty Advisor for TerpTax
March 25, 2025
TerpTax: Understanding Form 1099-K
Samuel Handwerger, faculty advisor for TerpTax, explains Form 1099-K—an IRS record for online sales and payments through apps. Understanding taxable income, tracking expenses, and correcting errors can save headaches. Keep good records and report income accurately to avoid issues.
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TerpTax: Understanding Form 1099-K
External Articles
Tax Insights and Fraud Awareness
The Spy in Your Pocket (Pegasus spyware)
By Samuel Handwerger
Expert reveals 5 simple tips for creating a sustainable budget in 2026
Michael McMillan, a professor and co-director of the Financial Wellness Center at the University of Maryland, shared five simple tips with The Independent for creating a sustainable personal budget.
WalletHub’s Ask the Experts
Budgeting and Happiness
By Michael McMillan
WalletHub’s Ask the Experts
Why Your Credit Card Might Be Your Best Defense Against Fraud
By Samuel Handwerger
WalletHub’s Ask the Experts
Strategically Allocating Your Spending Using Percentage-based Goals
By Michael McMillan
Investopedia
How Does Your Household Income Compare to Others in Your Age Group?
By Sara Clarke
WalletHub’s Ask the Experts
Loud Budgeting
By Michael McMillan