A free Public Service

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

January 27, 2024

FAKE TRADE COMMISSION SCAMS

Attribution: US Federal Trade Commission

Scammers are using the Federal Trade Commission’s good name to try to trick people into paying them — or sharing personal information. Someone might call, email, text, or message you on social media, claiming to be from the Federal Trade Commission. They might even use the name of a person who really works at the FTC, including staff, contractors, and even Commissioners.

But here’s what to know:

The FTC will never demand money or personal information from you.

The FTC will never threaten to arrest, deport, or punish you.

The FTC does not give awards or grants and does not conduct sweepstakes or lotteries.

Only scammers will demand that you pay by gift card, cryptocurrency, money transfer, or cash.

Don’t trust caller ID: scammers can make it look like they’re calling from anywhere, even the FTC.

If a scammer contacts you pretending to be from the Federal Trade Commission, you should report it right away to: ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Share as much information as you can, including:

The date and time of the call;

The person and agency name the scammer used;

What they wanted you to do, pay, or share, including amounts;

The phone number that showed up on your caller ID. Even a fake number can help law enforcement track the scammer.

Here are some scams recently reported to the FTC:

The scammer says you’ve won a sweepstakes or lottery but you must send money to collect.

The scammer says your assets are frozen until you pay a fake debt, fine, or lien.

The scammer says he’ll help you recover money you already lost in a scam.

The scammer says she’s collecting back taxes or immigration fees.

The scammer threatens to fine you, put you in prison, or take your property unless you pay.

The scammer says they’re protecting you from being scammed.

The scammer tells you to take money out of your bank account, tells you to wire money, get a gift card, or buy cryptocurrency.

The scammer demands secrecy, tells you to act right away, and says you’re about to lose money.

Remember: If someone says they’re calling from the FTC and then demands money (for ANY reason) or demands your personal or financial information, that’s a scam.

Don’t pay, don’t share, and don’t tell.

Do tell the Federal Trade Commission at FTC right away: 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.

January 27, 2024

FAKE TRADE COMMISSION SCAMS

Attribution: US Federal Trade Commission

Scammers are using the Federal Trade Commission’s good name to try to trick people into paying them — or sharing personal information. Someone might call, email, text, or message you on social media, claiming to be from the Federal Trade Commission. They might even use the name of a person who really works at the FTC, including staff, contractors, and even Commissioners.

But here’s what to know:

The FTC will never demand money or personal information from you.

The FTC will never threaten to arrest, deport, or punish you.

The FTC does not give awards or grants and does not conduct sweepstakes or lotteries.

Only scammers will demand that you pay by gift card, cryptocurrency, money transfer, or cash.

Don’t trust caller ID: scammers can make it look like they’re calling from anywhere, even the FTC.

If a scammer contacts you pretending to be from the Federal Trade Commission, you should report it right away to: ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Share as much information as you can, including:

The date and time of the call;

The person and agency name the scammer used;

What they wanted you to do, pay, or share, including amounts;

The phone number that showed up on your caller ID. Even a fake number can help law enforcement track the scammer.

Here are some scams recently reported to the FTC:

The scammer says you’ve won a sweepstakes or lottery but you must send money to collect.

The scammer says your assets are frozen until you pay a fake debt, fine, or lien.

The scammer says he’ll help you recover money you already lost in a scam.

The scammer says she’s collecting back taxes or immigration fees.

The scammer threatens to fine you, put you in prison, or take your property unless you pay.

The scammer says they’re protecting you from being scammed.

The scammer tells you to take money out of your bank account, tells you to wire money, get a gift card, or buy cryptocurrency.

The scammer demands secrecy, tells you to act right away, and says you’re about to lose money.

Remember: If someone says they’re calling from the FTC and then demands money (for ANY reason) or demands your personal or financial information, that’s a scam.

Don’t pay, don’t share, and don’t tell.

Do tell the Federal Trade Commission at FTC right away: ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

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Free Public Service

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

January 24, 2024

CASH ADVANCE SCAM

Attribution: US ftc.gov

FloatMe ads promised cash advances of up to $50 and offered instant deposits of “free money” after you downloaded the app and subscribed to a monthly plan. What didn’t the ads say? That FloatMe would illegally turn people down when they asked for money and charge customers subscription fees without their consent. That’s deceptive, according to the FTC’s lawsuit against FloatMe and its cofounders.

According to the FTC, FloatMe used tricks to keep people paying for subscriptions. When people complained because they didn’t get the money they expected, staff lied and said cash advances would go up if they kept subscribing. When people tried to cancel unwanted subscriptions, FloatMe required a complicated, tricky process designed to keep them paying. The FTC also says the business denied cash advances to tens of thousands of people whose income was Social Security or other government benefits, and that’s illegal. To settle the case, FloatMe and its cofounders agreed to pay $3 million and change how they do business.

If you need to borrow money, consider all other options before you take a cash advance. And know you have legal protections. For example, when creditors make decisions about credit, they can’t consider your race, national origin, age, or whether part or all of your income comes from public assistance. Learn what to do if you suspect credit discrimination.

The law says businesses have to give you a simple way to cancel a paid subscription that’s automatically billed.

 If you think a business isn’t following the law, please tell the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

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A Free Public Service

SCAMS BULLETIN Host Jay White

January 23, 2024

IRS REFUND SCAM

Attribution: US FTC.gov

Got an email or text message about a tax refund? It’s a scam.

IRS impersonators are at it again. This time, the scammers are sending messages about your “tax refund” or “tax refund e-statement.” It might look legit, but it’s an email or text fake, trying to trick you into clicking on links so they can steal from you. How? They tell you to click a link — supposedly to check on your “tax refund e-statement” or “fill out a form to get your refund.” But it’s a scam and if you click that link, the scammer might steal your identity or put malware on your phone or computer.

If someone contacts you unexpectedly about a tax refund, the most important thing to know is that the real IRS won’t contact you by email, text message, or social media to get your personal or financial information. Only scammers will.

If someone does reach out, here’s what to do:

Never click on any links, which can put malware on your computer or phone, letting scammers steal from you.

Check the status of any pending refund on the IRS official website. Visit Where’s My Refund to see if you’re really getting a refund.

Share what you know. By telling your friends and family members about the scam, you can help protect your community.

If you clicked on a link in one of these messages, or you shared personal or financial information, report it at IdentityTheft.gov to get a free, customized recovery plan.

If you see this or any other a scam, even if you didn’t lose money, report it to 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.

January 23, 2024

IMPERSONATION CALL SCAMS

Attribution: US FTC.gov

Many impersonation schemes start with a call about a routine problem, like suspicious activity in your Amazon account. But in a new twist, the story quickly takes a more serious turn when you’re told someone is using your information to commit crimes and all your money is at risk.

The caller convinces you that the court will seize the money in your bank account or retirement savings. The person you’re talking to — who claims to be a helpful agent from the FTC, or another agency or organization — is really a scammer. The only way to protect your money or clear your good name, the scammer says, is to quickly transfer it to a more secure account. Or, they tell you to cash out your savings to put in a box or buy cryptocurrency or gold bars. The truth is, instead of protecting your money, you’re about to lose all your savings. The scammer controls the new bank or cryptocurrency accounts or sends someone to pick up the gold bars or boxes of cash “for safekeeping.”

How can you tell it’s a scam? If the caller says you need to buy gift cards, go to a cryptocurrency ATM, or go to the bank in person while they stay on the phone with you, that’s a scammer. And if the caller tells you to lie to anyone who asks why you’re transferring or withdrawing so much money, that’s also a clear sign of a scam.

Here’s what else to know and do about this scam:

The Federal Trade Commission will never tell you to move your money to “protect” it. Anyone who does is a scammer impersonating the FTC.

Ignore all unexpected requests for money. Never transfer or send money, cryptocurrency, or gold to someone you don’t know in response to an unexpected call or message.

Verify the story. If you think there’s a real problem with one of your accounts, use a phone number, website, or app you know is real to contact the company. Don’t use contact information in the message you got.

Learn about other impersonator scams and how to avoid them.

If you suspect a scam contact www.ftc.gpv.            #

A Free Public Service

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

January 17, 2024

WINTER STORM SCAMS

Attribution: US Federal Trade Commission

With all eyes on the severe weather moving around the country, scammers are paying attention, too. And they’re likely following the path of the storms to target the people affected. So, how do you protect yourself against weather-related scams?

Weather emergencies mean big bucks for scammers and unlicensed contractors. They’ll appear right after a storm and offer to get your power back on, make essential repairs, or help with whatever you need. But if you pay them, they’ll take your money and disappear, charge you for things you don’t need, or leave before completing the work you paid them to do.

To avoid scammers trying to take advantage of you after a storm:

Spot utility imposter scams.

 Utility imposters work year-round, but after a storm, they might call or knock on your door saying they need to repair or replace equipment. Then they’ll ask you to pay. Don’t pay them. That’s a scam.

Hire only contractors who are licensed and insured.

 Check with your state or county government to confirm a contractor’s license. Ask the contractor for proof of insurance and a written contract.

Never pay in cash.

Paying by credit card offers you some protections. And only pay in full after the work is done and you’re satisfied with it.

Read about other weather-related scams at ftc.gov/WeatherEmergencies. Then share the information with friends and family to help them avoid losing money, too.

Suspect a scam? 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.

December 27, 2023.

WON LOTTERY SCAM

Have you gotten a call to say you’ve won a boatload of money from Publishers Clearing House (PCH) through a lottery?

The caller may tell you to call a number and press 1 to learn more. If you don’t respond, you supposedly won’t get the money. What would you do?

Well, if you press 1, they’ll tell you some version of this fictional story: You won several millions of dollars; you need to pay a fee to get your money. No matter what version of the story you hear: it’s a scam.

Here are some things to know to avoid this and other prize scams:

Real prizes are free. If there’s a charge, it’s a scam. Anyone who tells you to pay to get your prize — whether it’s for “taxes,” “shipping and handling charges,” or “processing fees” — is a scammer. Stop and walk away.

Scammers tell you to act NOW. They tell you it’s a limited offer and try to rush you. They don’t want you to have time to think about what’s really happening. If anyone tries to hurry you into paying, stop. Remember that’s something scammers do.

Scammers use names that look like the real thing. But no real sweepstakes company will demand money for a prize. To double-check, reach out to the real company. Make sure to use contact information you found yourself — not what the person who called you gave you.

Never pay to get a prize. Spot a prize scam? Tell the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

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A Free Public Sercvice

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

December 21, 2023

A blueprint to wealth? Not so fast.

The FTC says a business opportunity scheme known as “Blueprint to Wealth” has been targeting people who want to make money working from home and using false promises of a proven system generating thousands a month in “passive income” from newly recruited members.

Here’s a blueprint for how to guard against business opportunity schemes.

According to the FTC, the operators of Blueprint to Wealth promised new members would earn big money — making over $20,000 a month — from an “everything-is-done-for-you” business opportunity with support from “success coaches.” They made it sound easy and risk free: You pay up to $21,000 for a membership plus advertising costs, then sit back, let the coaches handle everything else, and watch the money roll in from commissions generated by new membership sales.

But, says the FTC, the scheme generated millions only for the defendants Blueprint to Wealth. People who purchased memberships typically got nothing. When people complained, Blueprint to Wealth blamed them for not doing enough — and then tried to convince them to pay even more money to generate income.

To avoid a business coaching or recruitment-based business opportunity scam, take these steps before you pay–or don’t pay:

• Take your time and talk to someone you trust. Scammers will try to pressure you to get involved right away. Talk to someone you trust — a friend, a family member, a neighbor — before you sign up. Talking about it could help you realize it’s a scam.
• Research the company and offer online. Use words like “complaint”, “review”, or “scam” to see what people say about it before you pay.
• Question promises of big money or profits. All investments have risks. Only scammers guarantee success or a return on an investment.
• Read success stories and reviews with skepticism. They might be fakes or misleading. Look at different sources and well-known websites for trustworthy and impartial expert reviews.

Learn more about avoiding a business coaching scam. If you think you’ve spotted one, tell the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.           #

                     

A Free Public Service

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

December 15, 2023

HOLIDAY SEASON SCAMS

Attribution: US Fed. Trans. Commision

Lots of folks look for jobs during the holiday season to make some extra cash or pay bills. But scammers follow seasonal employment trends, too, advertising jobs the same way honest employers do. They’re looking for any opportunity to steal your money and personal information. Do you know how to spot them?

After posting jobs that look like the real thing on legitimate employment sites, scammers go through a careful process to try to lure you in. They might offer you the job and quickly ask for your personal information like your driver’s license, Social Security, or bank account number to fill out their “employment paperwork.” But if you share it, they might steal your identity. Learn more at ftc.gov/jobscams.

To keep your money and personal information to yourself, follow these steps:

Never give out personal information before doing some research. Contact the company directly using a phone number or e-mail you know to be legitimate — not the one you got from the job posting.

See what others are saying.

Search online for the name of the job and the company plus the words “review,” “complaint,” or “scam.” You might find they’ve scammed other people.

Don’t pay to get a job. Scammers may promise you a job — if you pay them. But no legitimate job will make you pay for expenses or fees for training or anything else to get the job. Anyone who does is a scammer.

Talk to someone you trust before you take a job offer or business opportunity. What do they think? And if you spot a job scam, tell the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

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

A Free Pulic Service

November 4, 2023

PENSION BENEFIT SCAM

Attribution:  US FTC.gov

Today we’re focusing on how dishonest “advisers” may try to get your pension benefits and disability compensation, including benefits under the PACT Act. Applying for VA benefits is free and you can also get legitimate free help. How can you protect your benefits and get free help filing your claim?

If you want help with applying for benefits, use VA-accredited agents, Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs), or accredited attorneys. Start by confirming that the person helping you is accredited by the VA. The VA’s Office of the General Counsel maintains a searchable list of approved individuals. Check this list before discussing your pension or other benefits with anyone outside of the VA.

Read all the papers and the contract carefully. Understand all the terms, conditions, and implications of what someone helping you — even a VA-accredited adviser — is asking you to do. Remember, no one can guarantee you’ll get benefits from the VA. Even accredited people on the VA’s Office of the General Counsel list can’t guarantee that you’ll get VA pension or disability benefits after you apply.

Don’t work with anyone who pressures you — especially if they pressure you or advise you to move your money around to qualify for a benefit.  When VA discovers you don’t qualify, you have to pay back any benefits they already paid you. And you might lose other government benefits or tie up money that you need to live on.

Safeguard your personal information. Never share your VA login credentials or password. Protect your information and data by using strong passwords and multi-factor (also called two-factor) authentication. Check out VA’s advice on setting up multifactor authentication on your VA accounts.       #