State of New York v. Umar R. Graham

Buffalo, New York, criminal defense lawyer represented the Defendant charged two counts of Grand Larceny in the Third Degree (Class D felonies), one count of Unlawful Possession of Personal Identification Information in the Second Degree (Class E felony) and one count of Scheme to Defraud in the First Degree (Class E felony). Graham entered a guilty plea to all counts of the indictment.

Reported by: Kent Morlan

Umar R. Graham, Jr., 30, of Buffalo,knowingly and intentionally orchestrated a scheme to defraud where he stole money from his victims, opened utility accounts, and evaded payment for services by using Credit Privacy Numbers (CPNs). CPNs, also known as “credit profile numbers” and “credit protection numbers,” are fabricated numbers or stolen Social Security Numbers fraudulently marketed to individuals seeking to improve their credit history.

Between on or about February 1, 2024, and August 29, 2025, the defendant engaged in a course of conduct with the intent to defraud more than ten individuals under fraudulent pretenses. The defendant operated “Buffalo CPN,” a company offering outstanding utility bill relief and new credit identities to customers through credit privacy numbers. Graham obtained clients by advertising “Buffalo CPN” through a social media platform. After he obtained personal identifying information and payment from his victims, Graham contacted utility providers and opened new service accounts by using fraudulent credit privacy numbers.

The crime resulted in approximately $136,000 in financial losses to two utility companies. During the investigation, the defendant was found in possession of more than 250 items of personal identifying information belonging to other individuals.

The Defendant pleaded guilty and was sentenced to an indeterminate sentence of 2 to 4 years in prison. Graham was sentenced as a second felony offender.