A Free Public Service

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

March 15, 2021

PANDEMIC RESCUE PLAN SCAMS

The new American Rescue Plan Law is intended to help many people who have suffered financially during the pandemic. But the US Federal Trade Commission warns that it will bring out scammers trying to steal your money.

Payments will soon be coming by direct deposit, checks, or a debit card to people eligible for the payment. You can learn more about who is eligible, and the timing, at IRS.gov/coronavirus.

What will NOT happen:

1. The government will never ask you to pay anything up front to get this money.

2. The government will not call/text/email/DM you to ask for your Social Security, bank account, or credit card number.

3. No legitimate person will ever tell you to pay by gift card, cryptocurrency, or wire transfer through companies like Western Union or MoneyGram.

Health Insurance.

The new law also has some language about health insurance. It temporarily increasing subsidies for newly laid-off people and many people buying their own health insurance through the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Likewise, no legitimate person will ever call, text, email, or message you about getting or keeping health insurance coverage, or to demand payment on your account.

If you spot one of these scams, please tell the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. It could help identify and track down these scammers.

ATTRIBUTION: U.S http://www.ftc.gov.