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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