Attribution: USFTC.gov

August 31, 2026

A free public service.

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

How to avoid fake or scammy ads on social media

Because ads on social media aren’t always thoroughly vetted by platforms, it’s a good idea to check out the company before you buy based on an ad or post. Look online for its name plus “scam” or “complaint.”

Anyone can pay to place ads in your social media feed — including scammers impersonating real brands, selling knock-off products, or touting a program to teach you how to invest and beat the stock market. And they can show you personalized ads based on your online activity like your interests and shopping habits. Check out What To Do About Online Tracking and Personalized Ads to learn how to review and adjust your privacy and advertising settings in your browser, phone, and apps.

Report scams on social media

If you spot or lose money to a fake or scammy ad, report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Because ads on social media aren’t always thoroughly vetted by platforms, it’s a good idea to check out the company before you buy based on an ad or post. Look online for its name plus “scam” or “complaint.”

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A free public service

August 23, 2026

Attribution: USA ftc.gov

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

Did you get a package you didn’t order? It could be a brushing scam where a scammer uses your name to leave a fake review for that package you didn’t order. It could also be a sign that someone has (or is looking to steal) your personal information.

It starts with an unexpected package that looks like it’s from a known company like Amazon, or from a person or business you’ve never heard of. The package is addressed to you and recent reports to the FTC say it usually has something cheap and random inside, like baby wipes, toothpaste, or seeds. 

Why would someone send you that? Scammers do this so they have “validation” of delivery. Then they use your name to place fake reviews online about their business to “brush up” their sales. 

Sometimes, the sender might leave a note with a QR code inside the package. It might say to scan to find out who sent the package, or to process a return. But scanning could take you to a phishing website designed to steal information like your credit card numbers, usernames, or passwords. 

If you got a package you didn’t order:

• Change passwords on all your online shopping accounts in case they were compromised. If the package came from Amazon or another online marketplace, message the platform so they can investigate removing the seller.
• Check your credit weekly for free at AnnualCreditReport.com. Monitor the information in your credit report and look for signs of identity theft.
• Know that the law says you don’t need to return things you didn’t order. And you don’t have to pay for them, either. But be cautious about using the product. After all, you don’t know who sent it. 

If you spot a brushing scam, tell the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

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A free public service

Attribution: US FTC.gov

August 17, 2026

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

If you owe back taxes, there are ways to get real help. But dishonest companies will promise to get rid of your debt for “pennies on the dollar,” before even looking into your tax situation. They’ll often charge service fees without actually doing anything for you, and leave you further in the hole with local, state, or federal tax authorities. 

That’s exactly what led to the FTC’s nearly $10 million settlement with the owners of American Tax Service (ATS). According to the FTC, ATS mailed out letters impersonating the government, demanding that people call by a specific date or risk property seizure. The FTC also says ATS ran ads on TV, radio, and online, including on podcasts, which led people to scammy sales calls filled with false promises of tax debt resolution.

If you need help paying your taxes:

• Ignore promises from businesses that say you “qualify” for a tax relief program or that they’ll settle your debt for only a fraction of what you owe. Only the IRS or your state’s comptroller or revenue department can decide what you qualify for.  
• Don’t do business with anyone that tells you to pay their whole fee upfront. If they say that, walk away.
• Know that no company can guarantee a particular result. Every taxpayer’s situation is unique. 
• Visit the IRS’ Taxpayer Advocate Service website for help with federal tax problems you can’t resolve on your own. For help with state taxes, contact your state comptroller.
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If you owe back taxes, there are ways to get real help. But dishonest companies will promise to get rid of your debt for “pennies on the dollar,” before even looking into your tax situation. They’ll often charge service fees without actually doing anything for you, and leave you further in the hole with local, state, or federal tax authorities. 

That’s exactly what led to the FTC’s nearly $10 million settlement with the owners of American Tax Service (ATS). According to the FTC, ATS mailed out letters impersonating the government, demanding that people call by a specific date or risk property seizure. The FTC also says ATS ran ads on TV, radio, and online, including on podcasts, which led people to scammy sales calls filled with false promises of tax debt resolution.

If you need help paying your taxes:

• Ignore promises from businesses that say you “qualify” for a tax relief program or that they’ll settle your debt for only a fraction of what you owe. Only the IRS or your state’s comptroller or revenue department can decide what you qualify for.  
• Don’t do business with anyone that tells you to pay their whole fee upfront. If they say that, walk away.
• Know that no company can guarantee a particular result. Every taxpayer’s situation is unique. 
• Visit the IRS’ Taxpayer Advocate Service website for help with federal tax problems you can’t resolve on your own. For help with state taxes, contact your state comptroller.
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August 10, 2026

A free public service

Attribution: US FTC.gov

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

As a veteran, you’ve worked hard to protect our country. And if you’re a veteran-run small business, you know how important it is to have protections against scammers and cybercriminals. Your best defense is an informed workforce, so here are some free resources to help you start the conversation with your team.

s a veteran, you’ve worked hard to protect our country. And if you’re a veteran-run small business, you know how important it is to have protections against scammers and cybercriminals. Your best defense is an informed workforce, so here are some free resources to help you start the conversation with your team.

At ftc.gov/SmallBusiness, you’ll find the FTC’s Scams and Your Small Business article, which explains the signs of scams that often target small businesses. Share this article to help your team spot scams related to fake invoices, tech support, and business and government impersonators.

Want to get help on topics like using email authentication, protecting your business from phishing scams, and planning in case of a data breach? Visit the FTC’s Cybersecurity for Small Business article at ftc.gov/cybersecurity. Use this article to talk to your staff about protecting your business against cyber threats.

Scammers are constantly looking for ways to steal money and personal information, so here are some more ways to help you protect your business, employees, and customers.

• Create a culture of security. Train your employees not to send passwords or sensitive information by email, even if they get a request in an email that looks like it’s from a manager. Explain to your staff how scams happen and encourage them to talk with their coworkers if they suspect a scam.
• Make a plan for saving data, running your business, and notifying your customers if you experience a data breach.
• Stay in the know. Subscribe to the FTC’s Business Blog and Consumer Alerts to get the latest on how to protect yourself from scammers, cybercriminals, and more. Encourage your staff to subscribe, too.

If you spot a scam, tell the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

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A free public service

Attribution: US ftc.gov

August 4, 2026

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

Scammers know that applying for veterans benefits is at the top of the to-do list when you’re getting ready to leave the military. That’s why they pretend to be with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and offer to help you apply for benefits if you pay them — even though it’s free to apply with the VA. So if you’re applying for veterans benefits, get the help you need while avoiding scams. Here’s how.

First, know how the scam works: You get an unexpected call, text, email, or message on social media from someone who says they’re reaching out about your veterans benefits. They might claim to work for the VA or say they’re “approved” by the VA. (But, really, they’re not.) They offer to help you do things like apply for benefits you’re “missing,” get you a 100% disability rating, or speed up the claims process — all for a fee.

Those are all scams. The VA will never charge you to apply for benefits. Accredited representatives and recognized Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) won’t charge you either, but scammers will. A few things to remember:

• Never pay to apply. Whether you apply online or in person at a VA Regional Office, the VA will help you gather and develop evidence to support your initial claim for VA benefits — for free.
• Apply directly to the VA. Only the VA can determine your eligibility and award benefits. Anything else is a scam. Only scammers guarantee you’ll get benefits or offer to help you skip the line. Not even accredited representatives can do that.
• Work with a VA accredited representative. Use the VA’s Accreditation Search tool to make sure that the person helping you is actually approved by the VA.

If you spot a VA impersonation scam, tell the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Then, tell your state attorney general.

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