A Free Public Service

SCAMS BULLITIN Host Jay White is an in active attorney in San Mateo County, California.

August 22, 2023

HILLARY AFTERMATH SCAMS

Attribution: US Federal Trade Commission

In the wake of Tropical Storm Hilary’s wind damage and catastrophic flooding — to say nothing of the California “hurriquake” — scammers are likely to follow. As people in affected areas try to rebuild and recover, scammers will say they’re a government official offering help, or a contractor who can do the work you need quickly. Help and quick action are good…but how do you spot the scammers? 

Luckily, there are a few clear ways to spot and avoid recovery scams.

Know that FEMA doesn’t charge application fees. If someone wants money to help you qualify for FEMA funds, it’s a scam. Getting the FEMA Mobile App will give you information and alerts.

Know how scammers tell you to pay. Did someone insist you pay by wire transfer, gift card, payment app, cryptocurrency or in cash? That’s a scam. Don’t pay…and then report them.

Be skeptical of anyone promising immediate clean-up or repairs. Unlicensed contractors and scammers often appear in recovery zones. If they want cash up front, walk away. And if they won’t give you copies of their license, insurance, and a contract in writing, run.

Spot impersonators. After a disaster, scammers will pretend to be government officials, safety inspectors, utility workers, and others. They might offer help or say immediate work is required. But then they’ll ask for money or personal information like your Social Security or account numbers. Don’t pay, and remember that nobody legit will contact you out of the blue to ask for your Social Security, bank account, or credit card number.

Learn more at ftc.gov/WeatherEmergencies and report recovery scams 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.

August 12, 2023

WILDFIRES MAUI FRAUD

Attribution: US Federal Trade Commission

Recovering from the Maui wildfires?

Wind-driven wildfires are causing devastation to the Hawaiian island of Maui. Nobody knows how long it will take to recover from the destruction, but we do know it won’t be long before scammers start trying to cash in. As the smoke begins to clear, here’s some advice to help you spot, avoid, and report disaster-related scams.

Be skeptical of anyone promising immediate clean-up and repairs. Some may quote outrageous prices, demand payment up front, or lack the skills needed.

Check contractors out. Before you pay, ask for their IDs, licenses, and proof of insurance. Don’t believe any promises that aren’t in writing.

Never pay by wire transfer, gift card, cryptocurrency, or in cash. Scammers ask for these types of payments because, once they’ve collected the money, it’s almost impossible for you to get it back. And never make the final payment until the work is done and you’re satisfied.

Know that FEMA doesn’t charge application fees. If someone wants money to help you qualify for FEMA funds, it’s a scam. Download the FEMA Mobile App to get alerts and information. Visit FEMA.gov for more information.

Spot imposter scams. Scammers might pretend to be safety inspectors, government officials trying to help you, or utility workers who say immediate work is required. Don’t give them money, and ask for identification to verify who you are dealing with — before sharing personal information like your Social Security or account numbers.

Spot rental listing scams. If anyone asks for a security deposit or rent before you’ve met or signed a lease, steer clear.

Spread the word. Share the FTC’s Picking Up the Pieces after a Disaster infographic and social media image in your community. And visit Dealing with Weather Emergencies.

If you spot a scam, report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

If you’re looking for a way to help those in need, read How to make sure your donations count when weather disasters strike.                                                            #

A Free Public Service

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

July 31, 2023

FOOD DELIVERY SERVICE SCAM

Attribution: Federal Trade Commission

You may have heard about food delivery services like DoorDash or Uber Eats: You order through a restaurant’s website or a delivery service’s mobile app. A driver delivers your food. That is the way it is supposed to work. Caution!

 We’re hearing about a new scam targeting food delivery drivers and restaurants.

Scammers posing as “support” from food delivery services are contacting delivery drivers and restaurants and trying to steal their personal and financial information.

Examples:

In one scenario, the scammer tells delivery drivers and restaurants they’re sending a free tablet or printer to handle food delivery orders. To do that, they say, they need to “verify” your phone number, email and login, Social Security number and bank account to send the equipment.

In another scenario, the scammer says they need the driver’s email or bank account because there’s a problem with an order, or they want to refund them money from a canceled order. After getting the driver or restaurant owner’s email, the scammer may ask for an email verification code…which you never want to share. 

If you receive requests like this, no matter where you work: Stop, don’t respond.

 Here’s how to help avoid the scams:

*Don’t give your personal or financial information to someone who unexpectedly calls, texts, or emails you. They may be trying to steal from you.

*If you think the request is legitimate, contact the business directly. But use a phone number you know is real or a website or app you found yourself.

*Never share an email verification code with someone if you didn’t contact them first. Scammers are after your information and money. Sharing verification codes makes it easier for them to pretend to be you. Once they’re “you,” they have access to your accounts and can take your money.

*Find out what to do if you paid a scammer or gave a scammer your personal information.

And if you spot these scams, tell the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. When you report a scam, you help the FTC and other law enforcement agencies stop scams.                   #

A Free Public Service

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

July 19, 2023

UKRAINE SCAM

Attribution: scambusters.org

Ukraine twist:

 Romance scammers have hit on a new idea to snare victims. They pretend to be US soldiers on active service in Ukraine. They ask for money to pay for a care package or other purpose, using a fake military website (that looks real). Be informed there is no publicly-known US military presence in Ukraine, so ignore these phony Romeos.

Please report any such scam event to www.ftc.gov.

A Free Public Service

SCAMS BULLETIN Host Jay White is an inavtive attorney inSan Mateo County, California.

July 17, 2023.

PERSONAL INFORMATION SCAMS

Attribution: US Federal Trade Commission

During Military Consumer Month scammers know how valuable your personal and financial information is — and they’ll do or say almost anything to get it. What can you do to keep it safe?

The best way to protect your info from scammers is to recognize and don’t fall for a phishing scam. But how do you know what to look for? Here’s an example.

Say you get an unexpected text, email, or call that looks like it’s from a company you know, like Microsoft or Apple. They claim there’s a problem with your account and say you need to click a link or call a number to update your info as soon as possible. They might even say they’ve noticed suspicious activity or log-in attempts on your account. This may seem like it’s coming from a company you know, but it’s a scammer who wants to steal your info — which could lead to identity theft.

Here’s how to help keep your info safe from scammers:

*Don’t give your information to anyone who contacts you out of the blue. Honest organizations won’t call, email, or text to ask for your info, like your Social Security, bank account, or credit card numbers.

*Don’t click on any links. If you receive an email or text from a business or person with whom you do business, contact them using a website you know is real. Or look up their phone number — but don’t call a number they gave you or the number from your caller ID.

*Update your security software. This will help protect your computer and phone from security threats, which could expose your personal or financial info to scammers.

If you know someone who needs fraud support please share this info. Your friends, fellow servicemembers and veterans are victim targets all year round. And report scams 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.

July 8, 2023

MILITARY/ROMANCE SCAMS 

Attribution: Federal Trade Commission

For Military Consumer Month, let’s talk a little about how romance scammers target people who support the troops — and sometimes servicemembers themselves. These scammers can be any age, gender, or sexual orientation and may approach you on dating sites or on social media platforms. In 2022, nearly 70,000 people reported a romance scam to the FTC — and losses hit a staggering $1.3 billion.

These scammers may steal photos of real military personnel for their profiles. They might say they need cash to apply for a “leave request” to visit you. Or to pay for food and medical treatment during their deployment. The scammers ask you to send them care packages by wiring money through an official-looking (but fake) military website. (Servicemembers never have to pay to get packages, food, medical treatment, or to take leave.)

How can you avoid a romance scam?

If an online love interest asks you for money — especially using gift cards, wire transfers, payment apps, or cryptocurrency — that’s a scam. Period.

If someone appears on your social media and rushes you — to start a friendship or romance, or to get into a “great” investment opportunity (maybe in crypto) — slow down. Talk to someone you trust before you respond. Try a reverse image search of profile pictures. If the details don’t match up, it’s a scam.

If you suspect someone is a scammer, cut off contact. Tell the online app or social media platform right away, and then 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.

July 2, 2023

Sweepstakes Scams

Attribution: US Federal Trade Commission

It’s illegal for a company to tell someone to pay to enter a sweepstakes contest, or that buying something increases their odds of winning. But a well-known company has been running sweepstakes for decades to deceive people.

The FTC alleged that Publishers Clearing House used language and designs on its website and in its email marketing that tricked consumers. That included many older adults into believing they had to buy things on the PCH website to enter a sweepstakes. Or, that doing so would improve their chances of winning a prize.

It was alleged that PCH hid shipping and handling fees that added an average of 40% to customers’ orders;

PCH’s claims that orders were risk free were false; Customers had to pay the shipping costs to return merchandise.

As part of a settlement, PCH agreed to pay a penalty of several millions of dollars.

If you’re considering participating in a sweepstakes contest, here’s what to know:

*Real sweepstakes are free. It’s illegal to ask you to pay or buy something to enter.

*If you sign up for a contest, the promoters might sell your information to advertisers. If they do, you’re likely to see targeted ads online and get more junk mail, telemarketing calls, and spam email.

*Scammers try to trick you into believing you won a prize.

 FTC advises to never share your financial information or pay fees, taxes, or customs duties to get a prize. Scammers are after your money or personal information such as social security number or bank account number.

If you are aware of a sweepstakes prize scam, 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.

June 23, 2023

HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES SCAMS

Attribution: US www.ftc.gov

Congratulations — it’s time to graduate!

Whether you or someone you know is off to college in the fall, already has a job lined up, or is still figuring out next steps, there’s a lot to do to prepare.  As recent grads step into the next phase of life, they may come across things like job scams, phishing scams, rent or dishonest business practices.

You will need to learn about credit basics, how to protect yourself from identity theft, and how to spot and avoid scams.  http://www.Consumer.gov may be able to help with information on how to avoid job scams, rent your first apartment, buy your first car, check your credit history, avoid identity theft and more.

You can log on to Consumer.gov for alerts, and www.ftc.gov./scams to find out about the latest scams.

The Federal Trade Commission wants to know about it if you have had, or know someone who has had, an unfortunate experience. Tell us 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.

June 21, 2023

GARDEN COMPOSTABLE SCAMS

Attribution: scambusters.org

Garden composting is the process in which organic matter such as leaves and food scraps breaks down into soil. It is an excellent method to recycle waste from your yard and kitchen while also enriching the soil in your garden, enhancing its ability to retain water, and preventing erosion.

When you buy something that’s labeled “compostable” or “biodegradable,” you likely think you’re playing your part in today’s eco-conscious world. But sometimes the claims are untrue.

For most of us, “compostable” means the item will rot down to harmless organic material – the stuff you can use as compost on your veggie patch.

But that can be a far cry from the truth. Product manufacturers sometimes use the term freely, without telling you what they mean, in hopes of misleading eco-minded shoppers to buy. When these terms are used to make something seem more environmentally friendly than it really is, it’s a scam. Not only that, but sometimes, product makers use the terms to jack up their prices, knowing that some consumers are prepared to pay more for “green” products.

THE PLASTIC PROBLEM

You can compost a lot of fruit and vegetable waste from your kitchen, though even that can fail to break down if it’s not done properly. But what about plastic? Or bioplastic as “greenies” like to call it. Often, it’s not compostable at all, at least in your backyard.

One of the biggest issues is that many labeled compostable plastics, chiefly packaging material made from vegetable matter, can only be recycled in large industrial incinerators, not in your home or even your local garbage dump. But the makers don’t always tell you that. Nor do they tell you how long it’ll take to decompose.

Pretending that a product can easily be recycled is called greenwashing. Just because something presents itself as an earth-friendly alternative doesn’t mean it actually is one.

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

First, it’s important to be aware of the current limitations of plastics recycling. Second, it’s wise to adopt a healthy touch of skepticism about packaging claims.

 If the wording on your “compostable” product doesn’t explain what it means or how long it’ll take to decompose, it’s possibly just greenwashing, with no real benefit.

It’s worth noting that “compostable” and “biodegradable” have different meanings, but are sometimes used interchangeably by some manufacturers.

Another useful check is with your state’s rules on labeling. For instance, some US states have actually banned the term “biodegradable” on packaging.

We’re not saying that “composting” is a dirty word. It is a scientifically proven way to turn organic waste into nutrient-rich material to add to your soil. The problem lies with the firms that use it fraudulently or at least in a misleading way. Violations can be reported to the US Federal Trade Commission at http://www.ftc.gov.

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