Father and son admit large rebate scam

ANGOLA, N.Y. (WIVB) - When a business says "one rebate per household," they mean it! A father and son could each spend the next 20 years behind bars for scamming multiple companies.

Clifford Brehm, 76, of Angola and his son, 51-year-old Michael Brehm of Lakeview, both pleaded guilty to mail fraud. For over six years, the pair have used multiple PO boxes, mail box rentals and home addresses to submit numerous rebates. The duo used variations of their names, the names of relatives, and a cash register to doctor the rebates.

Federal prosecutors estimate each has illegitimately obtained over $65,000 from the scam. Clifford submitted over 4,500 rebates, while Michael submitted over 3,500.

Both father and son will be sentenced in November. Clifford Brehm additionally pleaded guilty to a felony tax charge, which he could face five years in prison for.