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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