Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - A Buffalo man has been arraigned on charges of grand larceny and scheme to defraud involving credit privacy numbers.
29-year-old Umar Graham is accused of using fraudulent CPNs to open utility accounts and evade payment for service while stealing money from his victims. Prosecutors say these CPNs are fabricated numbers or stolen Social Security Numbers, used by those seeking to improve their credit score.
Prosecutors say between Feb. 1, 2024 and Aug. 29, 2025, Graham operated the company “Buffalo CPN”, where he advertised outstanding utility bills relief and new credit identities to customers through a Credit Privacy Number.
He's also accused of possessing more than 250 items of personal identifying information belonging to others, which he used in the scheme to defraud. Prosecutors say he advertised “Buffalo CPN” services through social media.
Prosecutors contend Graham obtained personal identifying information and payment from his victims, contacted utility providers and opened new service accounts by using Credit Privacy Numbers. Prosecutors say this led to approximately $136,000 in financial losses to two utility companies.
If convicted of the highest charge, Graham faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison.
“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 Erie County District Attorney Mike Keane. “CPNs are not legal substitutes for Social Security Numbers. Let this be a warning to the public — any scam involving CPNs will be fully investigated and prosecuted. As this investigation remains ongoing, the Amherst Police Department has set up a special phone line, and I urge anyone who has been a victim or may have information to come forward.”
The Erie County District Attorney’s Office encourages anyone who has been a victim of “Buffalo CPN” or a similar CPN-related crime is encouraged to call 716-689-1390.