Buffalo Man Sentenced for Utility Fraud Scheme

Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane announces that Umar R. Graham, Jr., 30, of Buffalo, was sentenced this morning before Erie County Court Judge Betty Calvo-Torres to an indeterminate sentence of 2 to 4 years in prison. Graham was sentenced as a second felony offender.

Graham 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.

In April 2026, Graham pleaded guilty to 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.

"While this case is the first of its kind to be prosecuted by this office, it highlights another financial crime that preys on utility companies and their customers," said DA Mike Keane. "CPNs are not legal substitutes for Social Security Numbers. Let this be a warning to the public - we will investigate and prosecute any scam involving CPNs."

DA Keane commends the Social Security Administration, Amherst Police Department, National Fuel and National Grid for their work in this investigation.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Brian P. Dassero of the Special Investigations and Prosecutions Bureau.