A Free Public Servvice

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

November 11, 2022

Attribution US Federal Trade Commission

Do you want to help charities that support servicemembers and veterans? Around Veterans Day, charity scammers seek to take advantage of your generosity. They contact you about fake veteran and military causes, tugging at your heart strings — and grabbing for your wallet. A little research will help you spot these charity scams and make sure your donations count.

Charity scammers lie about who they’re affiliated with and how your money will impact the program you want to help.

Before giving, do some research to find veteran charities who use your donations wisely and avoid scams:

Check the name of the charity and its ratings. Search the charity’s name online with words like “complaint” and “fraud” and “scam.” Check the charity’s reports and ratings to see how they spend donations. If you see bad reviews that are of concern to you, find another organization.

Find out who’s behind a crowdfunding request or social media donation link — before giving. Scammers use stolen photos and other people’s stories to raise money for themselves, not for you.

Find out who’s organizing the campaign since that’s who gets the money donated. They’re expected to give it to the intended recipient. The safest way to give through crowdfunding or social media is to only donate to people you know and trust.

Pay with safer payment methods. Scammers ask you to donate in ways that make it hard to get your money back — by gift card or wire transfer, or by cryptocurrency. The safest way to donate is by credit card, which gives you some protection if something goes wrong.

Learn more at ftc.gov/charity. Report scams to FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and your state charity regulator.

                                                              #

A Free Public Service

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

October 27, 2022

Attribution US Federal Trade Commission

Scammers are at it again, impersonating well-known businesses and trying to rip people off. This time they’re pretending to be from Geek Squad, Best Buy’s tech support service. Here’s what we’re hearing about the scam and what to do if you see it.

You get a text message or email that says you were or will be charged hundreds of dollars to renew your Geek Squad membership. If you want to dispute the charge or cancel your membership, the message says you must call a phone number within 24 hours.

If you call the number — which you should not do — the scammer might ask for remote access to your computer. If you give it to them, they can install spyware programs on your computer, steal your online banking credentials, and drain money from your bank account.

Some scammers may ask for your bank account information to refund your money, then fake a transaction and make it look like they accidentally refunded you too much. To pay them back, they tell you to buy gift cards and give them the gift card numbers and PINs.

Scammers send alarming messages like this to rattle you. Don’t let them. If you think the message is legitimate, contact the company in question using a phone number you know is real. Do not use the number included in the message.

Also check your credit card or bank account for an unauthorized transaction. If you see one, report it to the institution and ask them to reverse it and give you back your money. Find out what to do if you paid a scammer, or gave them your personal information or access to your computer.

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

                                                        #

A free Public Service

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

October 22, 2022

A Free Pub lic Service

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

October 2019

HOMEOWNER LOSS FRAUD

Attribution US Federal Trade Commission

Many generous persons wish to help homeowners who have been victims of fires, floods and Hurricanes. Case in point, Hurricane Ian in Florida.

We know from experience it won’t be long before scammers start trying to cash in on the deadly storm. Here are a few ways that scammers might try to take your money or personal 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 FEMA impersonators charging 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.

*Spot home improvement and debris removal scams.

Unlicensed contractors and scammers may appear in recovery zones with promises of quick repairs or clean-up services. Walk away if they demand cash payments up front, or refuse to give you copies of their license, insurance, and a contract in writing.

*Spot rental listing scams.

Scammers know people need a place to live while they rebuild. They’ll advertise rentals that don’t exist to get your money and run. The scammers are the ones who tell you to wire money, or who ask for security deposits or rent before you’ve met or signed a lease.

*Spot charity scams.

 Scammers will often try to profit from the misfortune of others, sometimes using familiar-sounding names or logos. Check Donating Wisely and Avoiding Charity Scams before opening up your wallet.

*Learn more at ftc.gov/WeatherEmergencies and report weather-related scams to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.                                                         

A Free Public Service

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

October 4, 2022

HURRICANE RECOVERY SCAMS

Curtesy Federal Trade Commission

Recovery scams will follow Hurricane Ian.

Nobody knows how long it’ll take to recover from the destruction Hurricane Ian left behind. But we do know it won’t be long before scammers start trying to cash in on the deadly storm. Whether you’re getting back on your feet or looking for ways to help people in areas hit hardest, learn how scammers operate — and how to avoid them.

Here are a few ways that scammers might try to take your money or personal information after a weather emergency.

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 FEMA impersonators charging 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.

*Spot home improvement and debris removal scams. Unlicensed contractors and scammers may appear in recovery zones with promises of quick repairs or clean-up services. Walk away if they demand cash payments up front, or refuse to give you copies of their license, insurance, and a contract in writing.

*Spot rental listing scams. Scammers know people need a place to live while they rebuild. They’ll advertise rentals that don’t exist to get your money and run. The scammers are the ones who tell you to wire money, or who ask for security deposits or rent before you’ve met or signed a lease.

*Spot charity scams. Scammers will often try to profit from the misfortune of others, sometimes using familiar-sounding names or logos. Check Donating Wisely and Avoiding Charity Scams before opening up your wallet.

Learn more at ftc.gov/WeatherEmergencies and report weather-related scams to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

A Free Public Service

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

September 28, 2022

 CHARITY SCAMS

Courtesy US Federal Trade Commission—Unabridged

As recovery efforts continue in areas hit hard by mother nature’s recent bi-coastal punch, scammers are not far behind. They see tragedy as opportunity, and they’ll use the devastation caused by severe storms — like Typhoon Merbok, Hurricane Fiona, and Hurricane Ian, now headed for shore — to try to take advantage of those affected, as well as of anyone who tries to help. That’s why it’s so important to know how to spot the scams that often follow natural disasters.

If you suffered damage from one of the recent storms, scammers may approach you to clean up debris, pose as a government official, or offer to help you get aid for a fee. Walk away from anyone who demands personal information or money upfront. That’s always a scam. Find more on how to deal with and recover from disasters at ftc.gov/weatheremergencies.

If you want to donate to victims of the historic flooding in Alaska, or those affected by Hurricane Fiona in Puerto Rico, Bermuda and other islands in the Caribbean, here’s how to make sure your money goes to the people you want to help:

Use these tools to research the organization before you give. Don’t assume that familiar-sounding names or messages posted on social media are legitimate.

Donate to charities you know and trust and with a proven record of dealing with disasters.

Be cautious about giving to individuals on crowdfunding sites. It’s safest to give to someone you personally know and trust. Review the platform’s policies and procedures, not all crowdfunding sites verify postings for help after a disaster. Read Donating Through Crowdfunding, Social Media, and Fundraising Platforms.

If someone wants donations in cash, by gift card, by wiring money or cryptocurrency, don’t do it. Pay by credit card, which offers more protections, or by check.

Learn more about how to avoid charity scams at ftc.gov/charity. And report charity or weather-related scams to the FTC: ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

                                                          %

A Free Public Service

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

Sember 28, 2022

SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNT HACKS

Attribution scambusters.org

Millions of users are hit every year by social media account hackers.

It’s one of the fastest growing and most alarming Internet crimes, with security experts estimating that somewhere between 20 and 40 percent of all social network accounts have been compromised at some point.

The number one way of hacking an account is simple: The crook poses as a friend of the intended victim asking for help accessing his own (the “friend’s”) account. The message includes a link the victim is supposed to click. But doing so enables the hacker to take over their account and even block access to the real user.

A hacked account can currently be sold on the dark web to scammers and identity thieves for around $50 – one of the most valuable pieces of stolen consumer information currently being traded by hackers.

Once a hacker has control of an account, they have access to the victim’s entire list of friends who will be targeted next.  It’s like a giant pyramid scheme where the number of potential victims multiplies with each account takeover.

Important actions you can take to protect yourself from a social media account takeover:

*If you receive a friend request from someone you’re already linked to, it’s almost certainly a hacking scam, so don’t click on the “accept” button. And then let your friend know.

*If the request comes from someone you know but who you’re not following, again don’t click to accept. Contact the person independently and check that they did

*Always use a strong and unique password for each social media account and use a second pass code or other type of multi-factor authentication (MFA) such as those sent via text messages.

 *Learn more about two-factor authentication from our earlier issue: https://scambusters.org/passwordsecurity2.html.

*If you learn of a data breach affecting your social media account, change your password immediately.

*Don’t download third party apps promoted on your social media account. They can be used to hack your account.

What to do if Your Account Has Been Hacked:

You want to regain control of your account as soon as possible. If the hacker hasn’t changed your password and you still have access to the account, change it yourself immediately.

If you’re locked out, you need to contact the network provider. Different sites have different ways of dealing with it. Search on the phrase “My ——- account has been hacked” (insert the media network name in place of the dashes) and look for results that are actually from the network company.

It’s also important to let your friends know, via email or a message service, to put them on the alert.

                                                               #

A Free Public Service

SCAMS BULLETIN Host Jay White is an innactive atorney in San Mateo County, California.

September 21, 2022

ROBOTEXTS SCAMS

Attribution: scambusters

Spammers and scammers have stepped up their game with spam text messages called “robotexts”.

They may be only fishing for names of people interested in particular products, which they then sell to people who compile marketing lists.

Some of the signs to watch for include:

Phone numbers you don’t recognize or numbers longer than 10 digits-

Vague information that’s supposed to make you want to know more-

Questions that seem to come from someone you don’t know-

Misspellings that are intended to avoid blocking software-

Government departments (and many other organizations) don’t initiate contact via texts.

10 Key Actions to Protect Yourself:

Here’s what the Federal Communications Commission says you can do to protect yourself and help others from the robotext onslaught:

Don’t reply to suspicious texts; don’t even send a “STOP” response if you’re invited to do so-.

Don’t click on links or provide information about yourself.-

File a complaint to the FCC (https://consumercomplaints.fcc.gov/hc/en-us) and/or forward the text to SPAM (7726)-

Delete all suspicious texts.-

Consider installing an anti-malware app, and keep all device security software and operating systems up to date-.

Review text-blocking settings from your phone service provider and on the device itself-.

Both iOS (Apple) and Android phones have spam protection options built in.-

When you visit websites that legitimately require your name and phone number, check their privacy policies regarding text and info-sharing opt-outs.

If someone you know sends a text with a suspicious link that seems out of character, call them to make sure they weren’t hacked-.

If you get an unexpected text from a business you deal with, look up and visit their legitimate website and contact them.-

“The FCC prohibits autodialed text messages from being sent to your mobile phone unless you previously gave consent to receive the message or the message is sent for emergency purposes,” it says.

“The FCC has made clear that phone companies can block suspicious text messaging as a default policy.”

                                                               #

A Free Public Service

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

September 9, 2022

VETERANS PENSION POACHING

Attribution AARP

 “Pension poaching” is a financial scam targeting veterans. It is perpetrated by shady advisers who promise to help former service members grow their retirement funds, or obtain extra benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

The schemes often involve financial maneuvers that can backfire and actually disqualify veterans from needed benefits, or tie up their savings in investments that earn lucrative fees for the advisers.

A common form of the scam starts with a scammer sending mail solicitations, or showing up at a senior center or assisted living facility, offering to help ex-military members apply for a VA program called Aid and Attendance (A&A).

Only veterans with limited earnings and assets are eligible for A&A.

Scammers might recommend setting up a trust to transfer your retirement assets to family members. But that could get you disqualified by the VA or for Medicaid.  

Or a sham adviser might urge you to use retirement savings to buy an annuity. But these insurance products aren’t right for everyone, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) warns.

Warning Signs

A financial adviser tells you that you’re entitled to additional benefits simply because you’re a veteran.

An adviser guarantees that they will get you an enhanced VA pension.

Do’s

*Do check the VA’s searchable database to see whether an attorney or financial professional is VA-accredited and has the required training to complete and submit claims.

*Do run a background check on any professional who promises to boost your VA benefits (see “More Resources” below).

*Do carefully read all contracts and other paperwork related to an investment or application. If you don’t understand something, get an explanation in writing.

*Do discuss any proposed pension or investment moves with a trusted friend or family member before taking action.

*Do beware of advisers who offer free food. Some rogue operators offer lunch or snacks to draw veterans to “financial seminars.”

*Do apply directly to the VA if you think you’re entitled to Aid and Attendance benefits (see “More Resources” below). There’s no cost for the forms and no fees to apply.

Don’ts

*Don’t trust an organization or individual that contacts you out of the blue and offers to assist you with a VA claim.

*Don’t hesitate to say “no” if an adviser pressures you to act fast.

*Don’t be swayed by a name. Words like “veterans” or “military families” in an organization’s name doesn’t necessarily mean it’s legitimate, the FTC says.

*Don’t settle for vague or evasive answers. If a financial professional won’t definitively answer your questions, walk away.

If you’ve been approached or victimized by a pension poacher, file a complaint to the FTC, online http://www.ftc.gov, or by calling 877-382-4357.

For information you can trust on VA pension options, visit the department’s Pension page and eBenefits portal or contact your state veterans-affairs office.

For lawyers, contact your state’s bar association, which can tell you if the person has been the subject of any ethics complaints.

For insurance agents selling annuities, contact your state insurance regulator.

Have you seen this scam?

Call the AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline: 877-908-3360

Report it on AARP’s Scam-Tracking Map

Sign up for Watchdog Alerts for more tips on avoiding scams.

A Free Public Service

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

August 26, 2022

Student Loan Foregiveness Scams​

As of mid-2022, about 43 million people, including 8.9 million age 50 and older, had outstanding federal student loans, with the average debt burden topping $37,600, according to data from the U.S. Department of Education’s Federal Student Aid office (FSA).

At the same time, the student debt landscape is undergoing big changes. On Aug. 24, President Joe Biden announced a plan to forgive up to $20,000 in student debt for millions of borrowers. For those who still have outstanding loans, federal repayments are set to resume Dec. 31 after a nearly three-year pandemic moratorium. Many have new payment arrangements amid a reshuffle of student loan servicers (companies contracted by the government to manage repayments).

Scammers take advantage of circumstances like these. They barrage borrowers with robocalls, emails, texts and social media messages touting sketchy strategies to quickly reduce monthly payments or procure loan forgiveness.​

Some of these schemes involve sham debt relief companies of the kind that also target people in arrears on mortgages, credit cards or medical bills. Other scammers pose as student loan servicers or representatives of the U.S. Department of Education.

The common thread is that they will solicit an upfront payment or request personal information, like your FSA account credentials or Social Security number, supposedly to secure your freedom from student debt.

Dodgy debt relief companies​

There are legitimate companies and organizations that can help you navigate the complexities of the student loan system — for example, by sifting through myriad federal and state repayment and forgiveness programs to see if you qualify. Their tips and tools may save you time and money.

But remember that there’s nothing a debt relief company can do to reduce or restructure your student debt that you can’t do yourself, for free, by contacting your loan servicer or the Department of Education.

Student debt scammers claim special skills to get you a more affordable repayment plan or “exclusive” access to loan consolidation or cancellation programs.

If you send money the scammers might simply pocket it and vanish. But some continue the con and assume “management” of your loan, collecting your monthly payments but keeping most or all of the money instead of paying down your debt.

Several millions of borrowers may be eligible for a measure of automatic debt forgiveness under the Biden administration’s new plan. Existing federal forgiveness programs can erase part or even all of outstanding student debt under certain circumstances or conditions — for example, if you go into public service work or suffer a total and permanent disability.​

There are legitimate programs that have complicated rules and may require years of regular payments or steady employment in certain fields before you qualify to have your loan terms changed.

CAUTION

• Do visit the Department of Education’s StudentAid.gov site for free information on getting help with federal student loans.
• Do contact your loan servicer to learn about and apply for repayment and forgiveness programs, at no cost.
• Do check out a debt relief firm before giving it information or signing any agreements. Ask your state consumer protection office about the company and use the Better Business Bureau’s directory to look up reviews and complaints.
• Do be skeptical of calls and emails claiming to be from or affiliated with the Department of Education. Scammers impersonate or feign ties with government agencies, sometimes appropriating official titles or logos to appear legitimate. 
• Do log in to your FSA account and change your ID if you think it’s been compromised, and contact your loan servicer to make sure no unwanted actions were taken on your loans.

Have you seen this scam?

• Call the AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline: 877-908-3360
• Report it on AARP’s Scam-Tracking Map

Sign up for Watchdog Alerts for more tips on avoiding scams