A Free Public Service

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

March 30, 2023

TORNADO DAMAGE SCAMS

Attribution: US Federal Trade Commission  

Every time there is a natural disaster — like the tornado that tore through Mississippi and neighboring states — scammers are quick to follow.

If you are in a disaster relief area designated by FEMA, there’s legitimate help on the way. For example, if you are in a qualified area, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) will extend many of its filing and payment deadlines until July 31, 2023. To see if your area qualifies, visit the disaster relief page on IRS.gov.

Disaster recovery scams come in many forms, but mostly these scammers pretend to offer legitimate help.

Here are some ways to guard against these scams:

*Ask for government official identification. Scammers might pretend to be safety inspectors, government officials trying to help you, or utility workers who say immediate work is required.

*Ask for individual identification to verify who you are dealing with — before sharing personal information like your Social Security or account numbers.

*Don’t pay to apply for FEMA assistance. If they say you need to pay to qualify for FEMA funds, it’s a scam.

*The best place to get information from FEMA is from http://www.FEMA.gov or by downloading the FEMA Mobile App to get alerts and information.

*Look out for clean-up and repair scams. Unlicensed contractors and scammers may appear in recovery zones with promises of quick repairs or clean-up services. Walk away if they demand cash payments up front, or refuse to give you copies of their license, insurance, and a contract in writing.

*Steer clear of rental listing scams. Scammers know people need a place to live while they rebuild. They’ll advertise rentals that don’t exist to get your money and run. Never wire or give money for a deposit or rent before you’ve met a legitimate person and signed a lease. 

Visit ftc.gov/WeatherEmergencies for more, and report weather-related scams to 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.

March 21, 2023

PUPPY SCAM

Attribution: American Kennel Club

Almost everyone uses the internet for shopping, including finding a new puppy!

What is a Puppy Scam?

Puppy scammers post fake litter pictures online, or pretend to be someone they are not, to take advantage of puppy sales. This means that you could find the perfect puppy, send the ‘breeder’ your money, and never receive a puppy or any follow-up communication in return.

What are the Red Flags?

*No phone calls. The seller prefers to handle communication by email and not the phone. A reputable breeder will always communicate with you via phone or video chat (if not in person) before selling you a puppy.

*Copycat or stock photos. Photos of the dog or ad text can be found on multiple websites. Search for the text in the listing to see if the seller copied and pasted it from another site.

*Sketchy payment. The seller asks for wiring of money or payment by gift cards. Be aware that if you choose a non-secure method of payment, it is highly unlikely that you will get your money back.

*Avoid paying a stranger using apps such as Venmo, as it is harder to get your money back if you don’t get what you paid for.

 *Paying by credit card or PayPal are typically the safest options.

*Price is too good to be true. Research the prices for the breed you are considering ahead of time.

*Breeder “badges.” American Kennel Club does not distribute badges to breeders.

*Ensure that before receiving your puppy, you receive documentation of your dog’s papers. The words “American Kennel Club” as well as the AKC logo should be clearly visible. If the breeder or puppy seller hesitates to give you papers, this is usually a warning sign.

How Can I Safely Find a Breeder or Puppy Seller Online?

The AKC Marketplace is one of the best places to start your search for a puppy, if you are vigilant about warning signs. AKC Marketplace conducts

thousands of kennel inspections a year and is the only online resource to exclusively list 100% puppies from AKC-registerable litters. If you find anything suspicious while searching for a dog on AKC Marketplace, report the details to akcmarketplace@akc.org.

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A Free Public Service

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

March 18, 2023

FALSE HEALTH CLAIMS

Attribution: US Federal Trade Commission

If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction or dealing with a serious disease like cancer, Parkinson’s, or Alzheimer’s, you have probably looked for the best treatment available. But how do you know if promises about treatments and recovery are true?

Some alleged health care providers say they will cure all kinds of diseases and addictions — without reliable scientific proof.

Misleading ads promise a painless recovery from a variety of addictions — from drugs and alcohol to food and gambling. For cancer patients, they promise that most patients would get back to work and regular social activities, even becoming cancer-free after visiting a clinic.

Before you say yes to any kind of specialized medical treatment:

*Talk to your doctor or healthcare professional.

*Search for the name of the treatment or product online, plus the words “review,” “complaint,” or “scam.” See what others are saying.

*Know that no government agency approves ads about medical treatments before they go public.

Read more about common health scams. And if you think a company is making false health claims, report it to 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.

March 7, 2023

HOME WARRANTY SCAMS

Attribution: US Federal Trade Commission

What exactly is a home warranty?  It is essentially a service contract.

There are different types and options depending on the company and amount you pay. Some home warranties typically cover replacements and repairs for things like appliances or air conditioning systems. They last for a limited amount of time — unlike builder warranties of new homes.

When looking at the details, you may find that a home warranty duplicates coverage you already have. Or covers only part of a product. Or makes it nearly impossible to get repairs done when you need them.

Some things to think about before committing to a home warranty. Read the “fine print”:

*Is it likely to save you money? Consider both the upfront cost and costs that may be hidden, like deductibles or fees you need to pay each time products are serviced.

*What are the limitations? Are there limits on the amounts you can be reimbursed? Is accidental damage covered? Are certain appliances or systems not included? Are there restrictions or fees for cancellation?

*Does the claims process seem difficult or slow? Waiting a long time to get paid back can reduce the value of having coverage.

*Does the company have a good reputation? A home warranty is only as good as the company responsible for coverage. Search for the name of the company and words like “review” or “complaint” to see if people have had issues in the past.

Use caution when receiving unwanted calls about service contracts. Those might be telemarketers looking to trick you out your money or personal information. 

If you have had a bad experience with your home warranty, tell the FTC: ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

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