Police: Woman bilked victims out of thousands

FRANKLIN — A woman was charged in connection with an NFL ticket scam by borough police las week.
Alicia Pallozzi has been charged with theft by deception on Oct. 19 after a homeowner in Franklin reported a theft.
The complainant indicated that a female by the name of Alicia Pallozzi had given the impression that she had NFL football game packages through Metlife Stadium and her husband’s, place of business, the Institute of Culinary Education, available for sale for cash. The victim said Pallozzi had advertised the ticket packages on Facebook and other social media outlets.
Police said the victim reported that she had paid $1,600 in cash to Ms. Pallozzi on or about Sept. 18 in Franklin Borough after making arrangements with Pallozzi on Facebook and via text.
Through the course of the investigation, police said it was determined that her husband was not employed by the Institute of Culinary Education at the time she advertised the tickets for sale. It was further discovered Alicia’s husband would not have had the authority to sell the tickets provided by the Institute of Culinary Education even if they had provided them to him.
During the course of the investigation, multiple victims came forward, having suffered losses ranging from $100 up to and including thousands of dollars.
One victim reported that after the death of her young sister, Pallozzi allegedly started a GoFundMe account, and subsequently took thousands of dollars from where the donations were supposed to be given to the victim’s grieving family for funeral expenses. The family didn’t file a complaint until recently because they were still in the grieving process, but felt compelled to report this once they realized others were coming forward with similar allegations.
Through the course of the investigation Pallozzi was found to be traveling from Maryland to New Jersey and was apprehended in Franklin Boro near Police Headquarters. She was arrested without incident. She was transported to the Sussex County Jail in lieu of bail.
GoFundMe announced on Wednesday night that they will donate the $4,105 to the Borras family, which was raised for funeral expenses.
GoFundMe spokesperson Bobby Whithorne released a statement saying: "Fraudulent campaigns make up less than one tenth of one percent of all campaigns. With that said, there are rare occasions where individuals try to take advantage of others' generosity and commit fraud. Our goal is to protect donors and ensure those that need help get the help they deserve. That's why GoFundMe is making a donation to the Borras family to ensure they receive all undelivered funds raised on their behalf. We want to honor the donors' intentions and make sure the Borras family receives the help they deserve. Our platform is backed by the GoFundMe Guarantee, which means funds raised by GoFundMe campaigns are guaranteed to go to the right person. We always cooperate with law enforcement investigations and will work directly with the local PD."
Investigators are still working to determine the total loss and are meeting with officials from the National Football League to discuss security measures to prevent these type of incidents from occurring.
Any others who have experienced similar incidents are urged to contact Detective Nevin J. Mattessich 973-827-7700, Ext. 231 nmattessich@franklinpd.org or Detective Robert Vander Ploeg 973-827-7700, Ext. 237 rvanderploeg@franklinpd.org or their local police agency.