Justice for Fraud Victims will offer Howard County prosecutors free forensic accounting services through a partnership with the University of Maryland’s Smith School of Business. Students will gain supervised experience examining financial evidence to support investigations and assist fraud victims.

Samuel Handwerger explains that a restored 2026 charitable deduction will let non-itemizers claim cash gifts, but strict documentation rules remain. Donors must retain records and verify acknowledgment letters, especially for gifts of $250 or more, or risk losing legitimate deductions.

University of Maryland’s Financial Wellness Hub opened in McKeldin Library, offering peer mentoring, workshops and classes on budgeting, investing and loans, aiming to improve financial literacy for students, faculty and staff across campus.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.