October 4, 2026

Attribution: US FTC.gov

A free public service.

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

Health insurance scams happen year-round, but they pick up during Open Enrollment for Medicare and the Marketplace. If you’re looking to find a new plan, you might search online. But before you click on a search result, remember: scammers and dishonest businesses sometimes pay to appear at the top.

Bad actors often use web addresses that look similar to government website addresses. They also use keywords and official-looking logos to make you think you’re at the real Healthcare.gov or Medicare.gov when you’re not. If you use the link or phone number in the ad, you might end up paying for a scammy plan that’s not health insurance, or expose yourself to medical identity theft. 

How can you avoid health insurance scams as you search for options? 

• Type the name of the website directly into the search engine. For Medicare, it’s Medicare.gov, or call 800-633-4227. To compare health insurance plans, check your coverage, or find out if you qualify for savings, go to HealthCare.gov or call 800-318-2596.
• Take your time. Look for small “Ad” or “Sponsored” labels next to search results to identify paid ads. Scroll past paid ads and be sure to look for the .gov ending. 
• Get help to compare costs, coverage, and plans. You can also get Medicare help through your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) or local Senior Medicare Patrol. For additional help with ACA plans, visit HealthCare.gov and click “Find Local Help.”
• Suspect a health insurance scam? Tell the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and your state attorney general. If the scam involves Medicare, report it at Medicare.gov or 800-633-4227.
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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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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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