A Free Public Service

Attribution: FTC.gov

April 29. 2026

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

Did you get a text with a picture of what looks like an official notice of a traffic hearing? You’re not alone. The FTC has seen a spike in reports about this text scam in the last month. It’s just the latest story of how scammers are trying to separate people from their money. Here’s how this scam works — and how to avoid it.

It starts with a text message with a QR code. The message says you need to scan it to pay for a traffic violation to avoid court. The text might look official with a seal from whatever state it claims to be from and a (fake) case number. It’ll tell you when your (fake) hearing is scheduled — date and time — and will give you two options: go to the (fake) hearing, or pay the fine now. More on that in a minute.

Scammers want you to act quickly, so the text will also list bad things that can happen if you don’t respond now: default judgements, fines, enforcement actions. All stuff to scare you into (supposedly) making it all go away by scanning the included QR code to settle your (fake) unpaid balance. If you scan it, they’ll try to steal personal information (like your Social Security or credit card number), download malware on your phone, and steal your money.

If you get a text like this, don’t respond, and don’t scan the QR code. If you think the message might be real, check the court’s website for case information or call the court directly — but use a website or phone number you know is correct, not info from the text message.

Already paid or gave your information to 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.

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A Free Public Service

Attribution: US FTC.gov

April 19, 2026

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

You might be interested in making money through investments. Who isn’t? So offers that promise big returns might draw your attention…and scammers know this. They use those promises and clever schemes to lure you in and, unfortunately, people are losing big money on investment scams. In fact, FTC data shows reports of more than $7.9 billion in losses to investment scams, with a median individual loss of more than $10,000 in 2025. Do you know how to spot and avoid investment scams?

Scammers might reach you through social media, WhatsApp, or through online ads, promising you’ll make a lot of money quickly. These messages might also come from a friend or love interest offering you “coaching” to learn how to make a fortune in stocks, forex, or cryptocurrency. After you invest, they’ll often say your investments are doing well, maybe even showing fake “proof” that you’re making money. The reality? The investment isn’t real and you end up losing all your money.To avoid an investment scam:

• Remember that investments always involve risk. If anyone plays down the risk of an investment or acts like risk disclosures are just a formality you don’t need to worry about, keep your money. Those are scammers who want you to think their opportunity is risk-free when it’s not.
• Check out the reputation of the investment company, its officials, and its promoters. Search online with their name plus words like “review,” “scam,” or “complaint.” Go through several pages of search results.
• Check for licenses and registrations. Many investment scams start with unlicensed people or unregistered firms, so use the free search tool on Investor.gov to check out anyone recommending or selling investments. For investments in precious metals or coins, check out the CFTC database.

Report investment scams to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

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A Free Public Service

Attribution: US Federal Trade Commission

April 12, 2026

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

Scammers say you need to click on a link to save your points or they’ll expire today. But if you click, they’ll try to steal your personal information (like your Social Security or credit card number) or download harmful software on your phone. 

If you receive a text like this, resist the urge to click. Firdt, check it out first. Go to the company’s website or app, but find it yourself. Don’t use any links from the text. Then check your rewards points. Are they really expiring?

Here are some other ways to protect yourself from phishing scams:

• Turn on filters on your phone. Adjust your settings, use carrier tools, or try a call-blocking app (some also help with texts) to limit how many unwanted texts you get.
• Update your phone’s software regularly. Updates often include critical patches and protections against security threats. These can come in handy if you accidentally do click on a phishing link.
• Report spam. Whether you have an Apple or Android phone, there are steps to report junk or spam. 

Notify US Federal Trade Commission FTC.gov of your experience.

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SCAMS BULLETIN Host Jay White is an inaactive attorney in San Mateo County, Califoria, USA

A Free Public Service

Attribution: US FTC.gov

April 6, 2026

Mortgage assistance does exist, but scammers try to take advantage of homeowners looking to save their home. The scammers often call unexpectedly, promising to modify your mortgage or give you a way to avoid foreclosure — if you make a payment upfront.

But don’t pay. It’s illegal for companies to charge a fee before you get any services. Anyone asking you to pay upfront is giving you a warning that you might be dealing with a mortgage relief scam.Here are more signs of that scam:

• Scammers tell you to stop communicating with your lender…but you always have the right to contact your lender directly to see if you have other options.
• Scammers want you to pay them only by cashier’s check, wire transfer, or a mobile payment app because it’s hard to get your money back.
• Scammers try to convince you to transfer the deed to your home to them. But if you do, you probably won’t get it back.
• Need help managing your debt?
• Call the companies you owe money to right away. Explain why you’re having trouble paying and ask for a payment plan.
• Find legitimate help from housing counselors if you’re having trouble paying your mortgage, or find a credit counselor to help make a plan to repay your debt.

Tell the FTC about any mortgage relief scams you spot at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and your state attorney general.

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