SCAMS BULLETIN HOST Jay White is an inactive attorney in San Mateo County County, California, USA.

A Free Public Service

December 22, 2025

Attribution: US FTC.gov

HEALTH INSURANCE SCAMS

If you’re looking to get insurance from the Health Insurance Marketplace, you may have until January 15^th to sign up. But dishonest companies sometimes advertise comprehensive health insurance when it’s really a medical discount plan or a health plan with limited insurance benefits. And, sometimes, an insurance “offer” is just a scam. As you compare your options, here are some things to consider:

• Know some warning signs. If ads for the so-called insurance focus on free stuff you’d get if you sign up — like money for groceries — and downplay the coverage, take a much closer look to really understand what you’d be getting.
• Don’t pay for help enrolling. It’s free to sign up through the Health Insurance Marketplace. And don’t pay anyone who says you have to give them cash, cryptocurrency, or your credit or debit card numbers to get or keep your health coverage. No matter who they say they are.
• Compare and sign up at the source. Go to HealthCare.gov or call the Marketplace Call Center (1-800-318-2596) to get help or sign up.
• Spot a scammy healthcare ad? Tell the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. 

You can also get free help from professionals:

• Assisters, organizations and individuals in your community, give free, independent advice, answer questions, and help you apply for and enroll in any Marketplace health plan. They can also help you apply for free or low-cost Medicaid or Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) coverage.
• Agents/brokers can answer questions and help you apply and enroll in the Marketplace health plans they sell, which may not be all the plans available to you. Insurance companies pay them when they sell their plans. Agents and brokers can also refer you to get help for Medicaid or CHIP coverage.

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A Free Public Service

December 17, 2025

Attribution: US FTC.gov

SCAMS BULLETIN Host Jay White is an inactive attorney in San Mateo County, Calfornia, USA.

We’re hearing from people who’ve been approached outside a military bank like USAA or Navy Federal. Someone stops them and says they’re in a tough situation, can’t access their bank accounts, and need money for groceries. Sometimes they even have a crying child with them. They’ll ask you to send them a few bucks using the bank’s mobile app.

But once you open the app, the scammer reaches for your phone. You think they’re entering their phone number or email address to complete the transfer from that one account. But instead, the scammer is taking money from your other accounts, too. Some reports say the scammer distracts you with questions about your travel plans…while they apply for instant bank loans in your name and use other payment apps to transfer your money to their accounts.

To avoid this scam:

• Never hand over your phone to someone you don’t know. That’s a sign of a scam. Also, your bank may not reverse fraudulent transactions since it looks like you initiated them.
• Slow down. Scammers pressure you to act immediately. Taking a moment to think will often help you spot the scam.

Share this advice with your military loved ones this holiday season. And if you spot a scam like this one, tell your local police and your state attorney general. Then, tell the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

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A Free Public Service

SCAMS BULLETIN Host Jay White is an inactive attorney in San Mateo County, California, USA.

December 11, 2025

Attribution: US FTC..gov

CHARITY SCAMS

Chances are, you’re probably already hearing from charities about Giving Tuesday. It’s a great time to support the work of charities around the country. Unfortunately, not everyone asking for money is a real charity. As the year comes to a close, you’ll likely get calls, texts, and emails asking for donations. Here’s how to make sure your money goes to real causes that matter to you instead of to a scammer.

• Confirm the charity is legit. Make sure you have the charity’s exact name and then do some research. Some dishonest telemarketers will use names that sound like well-known charities to confuse you, so here are some places to start:
  • BBB Wise Giving Alliance and Charity Watch offer reports and ratings on how charities spend donations and run as organizations.
  • Your state charity regulator can tell you if a charity is registered with them, which is a requirement in most states.
• Check that your donation is really going to the programs you want to help. Call the charity directly and ask how much of your donation will go to the programs you care about. You may also be able to get this information from the charity’s website.
• Consider how you pay. The safest way to donate is by credit card or check. If someone says the only way to pay is with cryptocurrency, a payment app, gift card, or by wiring money, it’s likely a scam, not a real charity.
• Double-check links. Pay attention to who’s asking and who’s getting the money —even if it’s something a friend posts on social media. If you’re sent to a crowdfunding page, money will go directly to the organizer…who might not be closely tied to the cause you want to support.

Spot a fake charity? Tell the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. 

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A Free Public Service

October 20, 2025

Attribution: California.gov

SCAMS BULLETIN Host Jay White is an inactive attorney in San Mateo County, California, USA.

CHARITY SCAMS

 Always check the legitimacy of a charity by looking for reviews, ratings, and their registration status with relevant authorities.

• Be Wary of High-Pressure Tactics: Scammers often create a sense of urgency. Take your time to verify before donating.
• Use Official Channels: Donate directly through official charity websites rather than through links sent via email or social media.
• Trust Your Instincts: If something feels off, it’s better to err on the side of caution and refrain from 
• donating.
  By staying informed and vigilant, you can help ensure that your charitable contributions reach those in genuine need and avoid falling victim to scams.
• If a communication appears suspect, you can report it to the US Federal Trade Commission FTC.gov/fraud.
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October 16, 2025

A Free Public Service

Attribution: California Gov.

SCAMSBULLETIN Host Jay White is an inacvtive attorney in San Mateo County, USA.

EMPLOYMENT SCAMS

Every source contacted for this article — from the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to the Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC) — reported a rise in employment scams.

In some cases, the goal is simply to gain your personal information. You’re told you got the job, so you fill out paperwork that includes your Social Security number and your bank account info for direct deposit.

More elaborate scams can involve bogus payments. Some scams, for example, ask would-be employees to pay for training or useless certifications. Others pay new staffers a bonus (with a check that will eventually bounce), then ask for money back due to “overpayment,” the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reports. Scammers might also request money to cover shipment costs for job-related equipment.

How to stay safe: Remember that just because ads appear on reputable platforms such as LinkedIn and indeed, it doesn’t mean they’re genuine.

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October 7, 2025

A Free Public Service

Attribution: US FTC.gov

SCAMS BULLETIN Host Jay White is an inactive attorney in San Mateo County, California, USA.

SPOTTING JOB SCAMS

People you know are seeing phony business opportunities, work-at-home scams, shady employment agencies, and scammy multi-level marketing schemes. Job seekers don’t have the time or resources to waste on fake opportunities, but there are some ways to spot these scams. Citing American workers from these kinds of practices is a priority for the U S Federal Trade Commssion. That’s why the Chairman launched a Labor Task Force to keep the agency’s focus on these issues. And reports to the FTC show that these scammers are alive and hunting victims. Check out this dashboard to see what reports and losses look like.

And if you spot a job scam, tell the FTC: ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Job seekers don’t have the time or resources to waste on fake opportunities, but there are some ways to spot these scams. Protecting American workers from these kinds of practices is a priority for the FTC — in fact, that’s why the Chairman launched a Labor Task Force to keep the agency’s focus on these issues. And reports to the FTC show that these scams are alive and plentiful. Check out this dashboard to see what reports and losses look like. And if you spot a job scam, tell the FTC: ReportFraud.ftc.gov.  

Protecting American workers from these kinds of practices is a priority for the FTC — in fact, that’s why the Chairman launched a Labor Task Force to keep the agency’s focus on these issues. And reports to the FTC show that these scammers are alive and plentiful. Check out this dashboard to see what reports and losses look like.

  And if you spot a job scam, tell the FTC: ReportFraud.ftc.gov. 

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A Free Public Service

September 3, 2025

SCAMS BULLETIN HOST Jay White is an inactive attorney in San Mateo County, California, USA.

Attribution: UC FTC.gov

A Free Public Service

Summer is over and you could be thinking about selling your timeshare. Maybe you turn on the radio, check your feed, or get a call and find what sounds like an easy way to sell your timeshare. But is it? Or is it a scam?

Getting out of a timeshare can be tough, but that’s not what scammers tell you. They’ll guarantee they can easily sell your timeshare. Sometimes they say they have interested buyers…but you’d need to pay a few thousand dollars upfront for taxes or closing costs. Which they say they’ll refund later. Only there’s really no buyer and if you pay, you’ll lose your money.

Research the timeshare resale company or expert online. Look up the name of the timeshare resale company or individual who contacted you plus the words “scam” or “complaint.” See what other people are saying about their experience.

• Ask about fees. If you want to work with a reseller, try to deal with one that takes their fee after the timeshare is sold.
• Get everything in writing before you pay or sign a contract. Make sure it matches any verbal promises, including what they’ll do, plus any fees you have to pay, and when. And don’t assume you’ll get back what you paid for your timeshare.

Check out Timeshares, Vacation Clubs, and Related Scams to learn more. Suspect a timeshare resale scam? Tell the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

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A Free Public Service

September 25, 2025

Attribution: US Ftc.gov

PROTECT WITH CREDIT FREEZE

SCAMS BULLETIN Host Jay White is an inactive attorney in San Mateo, California, USA.

A credit freeze is something you can do anytime, for any reason. But it’s especially helpful if you’re dealing with identity theft or a lost wallet or data breach. While a freeze is in place, nobody can open a new credit account in your name.

A freeze is free to place or lift — and doesn’t affect your credit score

*is available to anyone, for any reason * lasts until you lift it

To place a credit freeze, contact all three credit bureaus —  Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. When you need to lift the freeze — to do things like get a credit card or buy a car — you only need to contact the credit bureau a lender will use to check your credit. When you’re done, you can freeze it again.

Along with a credit freeze, you can also get an initial fraud alert if you are — or suspect you may be — affected by identity theft. Initial fraud alerts (also free) make lenders verify your identity before they grant new credit in your name. There are also two other types of alerts — extended fraud alerts and active duty alerts — (both also free), and which you choose depends on your situation and needs. Read Credit Freeze or Fraud Alert: What’s Right for Your Credit Report? to learn more.

If your identity was stolen, also make sure you report it at IdentityTheft.gov, where you’ll get a free recovery plan with next steps.

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September 20, 2025

A Free Public Sevice

Attribution: FTC.gov

SCAMS BULLETIN Host Jay White is an inactive attorney in San Mateo County, California, USA.
See an eye-catching “deal” on your social for a brand-name product at a big discount? Don’t click — it could be a scam. Here’s what to know.

Scammers sometimes impersonate real companies on social media, advertising big fake discounts on brand-name products. Clicking on a scammy ad can take you to a fake website that’s designed to steal your money or information, like your Social Security or bank account number. If you pay, you might get a cheap fake or nothing at all. If you give your personal information, the scammer might steal your identity.

To avoid responding to scammy ads on social media:

• Look up the seller before you click. Don’t assume the seller is the company brand named in the ad. Look closely to see if you can tell who the seller really is. Then, search that company’s name online, adding words like “scam,” “complaint,” or “review.” Check to see what others are saying about the seller before you click on the ad.
• Compare prices. See what the product is selling for in other places. If the ad offers prices that are much, much lower, it’s probably a scam.
• Use a credit card. If you buy, paying by credit card gives you the best protections if something goes wrong. If you don’t get what you ordered or never get the product, for example, you may be able to dispute the charge. And never buy anything from online sellers who insist you can only pay with gift cards, wire transfers, payment apps, or cryptocurrency. Only scammers will demand you pay in those ways.  

Already paid a scammer? Read What To Do if You Were Scammed to find out what to do next. And tell the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. If you’re worried about identity theft, go to IdentityTheft.gov. 

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