A free public service

Attribution: US FTC.gov

Date September 26, 2026

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

Let’s say someone contacts you unexpectedly and says you have to pay to fix a problem, get a prize, or something else. But then they say the only way to pay is by bank transfer, wire transfer, cryptocurrency, payment app, or gift card. Well, reports to the FTC show that’s a scam.

You can report it to the FTC.gov/fraud.

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A free public service

Attribution: US FTC.gov

September 26, 2026

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

Every year, scammers get more active around Medicare Open Enrollment Period, trying to get your money, information, or both. As you consider your health coverage and prescription options during this period (October 15-December 7), learn how to spot the scams during Medicare Open Enrollment season. learn how to protect yourself from scams. Consumer Fraud FTC.gov/medicare.

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September 20, 2026

A Free Public Service

Attribution: US FTC.gov

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

The FTC is hearing about a scam targeting some of the hardest working people out there: farmers. Scammers posing as farm equipment businesses are selling (fake) equipment to farmers, who end up empty-handed. Here’s how the scam works and how to avoid it. 

It starts like this: you might scroll through social media and see an ad for a tractor. It’s a good price and looks like it’s from a legit business. Or you search online and see a tractor from a business you know, and maybe even bought equipment from before.  In either case, when you contact them, they send a purchase agreement and invoice. They typically ask you to send thousands of dollars — usually by wire transfer — as a deposit or full payment, and schedule a delivery date. 

What happens next? The delivery never comes. It turns out this was never a legit business and was all a scam. The scammer either stops answering or makes up another excuse (e.g., there’s an issue with the delivery truck). You’re out both the money and a tractor. 

How can you (or your local farmer) avoid these and other impersonation scams?

• Before you buy based on any ad, check it out. Social media companies don’t always vet ads. Do some research by searching online for the company name plus “scam” or “complaint.”
• Know that the first search results you see might be paid ads. Sometimes scammers place them: they pretend to be a real business but use their own contact info instead. Scroll past those ads to the unpaid search results to help confirm you have the right website or contact information. 
• Never send money to anyone who says you can only pay by wire transfer, gift card, cryptocurrency, or payment app. Scammers prefer these methods because once they’ve collected the money, it’s almost impossible to get it back.

Spot an impersonation scam? Tell the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

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A Free Public Service

Attribution: US FTC.gov

September 13, 2026

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

September 13, 2026

Let’s say someone contacts you unexpectedly and says you have to pay to fix a problem, get a prize, or something else. But then they say the only way to pay is by bank transfer, wire transfer, cryptocurrency, payment app, or gift card.

Report it to the Feder Trade Commission FTC.gov/fraud as a scam.

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

POSTCARD SCAM

A free publicc service

September 6, 2026

Attribution: US FTC.gov

Veterans across the country have reported getting postcards in the mail saying they (or their spouse) might qualify for extra monthly veterans benefits. But the “Veterans Savings Program” mentioned in the mailer doesn’t actually exist. It’s just a scammer phishing for personal or financial information. Here’s how this scam works so you can avoid it.

Scammers often pretend to be affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). But in this new twist, scammers are mailing postcards to veterans, promising extra money through a “Veterans Savings Program.” (Remember: it’s not a real program.) The postcard might list the state you’re living in and mention real VA benefits like CHAMPVA or TRICARE For Life, hoping to seem more real. 

The message tells you to call right away or risk losing out. Scammers always hope you’ll act quickly rather than pause and do some research. Their goal is to trick you into calling and sharing personal information like your Social Security number or bank account details. 

If you get a postcard like this:

• Don’t respond. Legitimate VA communications will not pressure you to respond immediately or give sensitive information over the phone.
• Contact the VA directly  if you have questions about your benefits. Always use a number you know is real — never the one in the postcard. Start with the VA Benefits Hotline at 1-800-827-1000.
• Spread the word. Scammers typically don’t just contact one person. Sharing this advice can help others in your community spot and avoid the scam. Sign up for email updates to get the latest on scams like this one at MilitaryConsumer.gov.

If you spot this or another VA benefits scam, report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and to the VA at VSAFE.gov or 1-833-38V-SAFE.

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