A Free Public Service

April 30, 2024

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

TORNADOS DAMAGE SCAMS

Just as people in Nebraska, Iowa, Oklahoma, and other Midwestern US states are reeling from the catastrophic damage caused by tornados and other severe weather, scammers are taking advantage. They use all kinds of stories to try to trick those doing their best to recover and anyone who tries to help.

Scammers falsely offer help but demand pay up front for clean-up or repairs.

A great place to help yourself and others spot and avoid scams after a disaster is http://www.ftc.gov/WeatherEmergencies. If you’re pressed for time as you focus on recovery, remember this:

FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) and the Small Business Administration don’t charge application fees.

Only scammers say they’re a government official and demand money to help you qualify for FEMA funds or government grant. Places to get information are http://www.FEMA.gov or http://www.SBA.gov if you are a business owner.

 And don’t hire anyone to do repair work who refuses to give you copies of their license and insurance, and a contract in writing.

Take time to research legitimate charities. That could help avoid charity scammers.

Do you suspect a weather-related or other scam? Tell the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

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A Free Public Service

Aprril 23, 2024

FastRak Scam

FASTRAK SCAM

Attribution:  From: Bay Area FasTrak Customer Service

FasTrak is a local San Francisco transportation system.

Some customers have reported receiving texts notifying them of tolls due and providing a link to one of several fraudulent websites where they can pay. The websites provided are scams and are not related to FasTrak. If you receive such a text, please do not click on the link. FasTrak does not request payment by text with a link to a website. Please conduct your business at http://www.bayareafastrak.org or call the FasTrak Customer Service Center at 877-BAY-TOLL (877-229-8655).

If you have made a payment to one of the fraudulent websites, please consider contacting your bank or credit card company immediately to report the charges.

Please do not reply to this message. This is an automatically generated notification. If you wish to contact a Customer Service Representative, please call the FasTrak Customer Service Center at 877-229-8655 (BAY-TOLL).

Sincerely,

Bay Area FasTrak Customer Service Center

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A Free Public Service

April 22, 2024

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

WEIGHT LOSS SCAMS

Attribution:  scambusters.org

Don’t Get Scammed Trying to Lose Weight

We’re in a new era of seemingly effective weight loss drugs, like Ozempic and Wegovy. Hundreds of diet meal programs, drinks and wearables, provide crooks opportunities to rip us off.

So, if you plan to try to lose weight, it’s important to know about the scores of fake slimming pills and diet programs that look too good to be true – because they are fake.

Common Weight Loss Scams:

*Fake Ozempic: Slimmed-down celebrities have turned this diabetes management drug into a star for those who want to lose weight. The trouble is fake versions that could be downright dangerous.

*Other fake weight loss schemes:

If the description uses words such a “magical”, “works fast” or “money back guarantee” it is fake.

Even without the “Ozempic” name, fraudsters sell all types of supposed weight loss drugs that just don’t work and, again, could be dangerous.

*Home meal kits: Since the pandemic, millions of people have switched to having pre-cooked meals delivered to their homes by crooks.

*Detox teas and cleanses: Sometimes, these simply use laxatives or

diuretics for water weight loss.

*Body wraps and waist trainers: They are claimed to reduce fat cells and tone muscles.

That gives some idea of the scale of potential scams threatening people trying to lose weight in the US today. Make sure you’re not one of the victims. Your wallet and your health could be at risk.

Reports of drug scams can be reported to US Food and Drug Administration http://www.fda.gov and US Federal Trade Commission http://www.ftc.gov.

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A Free Public Scam

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

April 16, 2024

COLLEGE STUDENT JOB SCAMS

Attribution: US FTC.gov

Getting hired might feel like the ultimate high for a college student. But finding out it was just a scammer trying to steal your money will bring you — and your bank balance — right back down. Many college students look for virtual jobs they can do while going to school, but if a new employer mails your first paycheck before you even start working, that’s your cue to stop! — it’s a scam.

Scammers post ads for fake jobs for personal assistants on common job sites and social media. Or they might send emails that look like they’re from someone in your community, like a professor or an office at your college. If you apply, they’ll mail you a check to deposit at your bank. Then, they’ll ask you to send some of the money to another account. They tell you a convincing story, but the check is fake and the whole thing is a scam. The check will eventually bounce and the bank will want you to repay the money you withdrew. Meanwhile, the scammer will have walked away with the money you sent them.

Here are some steps to help you guard against a job scam:

*Look up the name of the company or the person who’s proposing to hire you, plus the words “scam,” “review,” or “complaint.” See what others are saying about them.

*Reach out directly. If the email looks like it came from a professor or an office at your college, call them directly. Confirm that they’re really looking for someone for this position.

*Get it in writing. Ask the proposed employer to send you details of the job duties, the pay, and the hours. If they refuse, that could be a sign of a scam.

*Talk to someone you trust. Show them the offer and see what they think. This also gives you vital time to think about the offer.

Your boss should be paying you, not the other way around. If they tell you to deposit a check and use some of the money for any reason, that’s a scam.

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

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April 8. 2024

A Free Public Service

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

TIMESHARE SALE SCAM

  Attribution: US FTC.gov

Maybe you weren’t thinking about selling your timeshare — but suddenly, someone calls and tells you they’re a real estate agent and have an interested buyer. They might have information about you and your property, so the offer seems credible. Then, the so-called timeshare expert asks you to pay upfront to finalize the deal. Stop. That could be a scam!

Scammers are getting using public records to target people in the U.S. who own timeshares abroad — including a focus on older adults, who may not use their timeshares often. These “real estate agents” start by asking for a small fee, promising to help you make big money selling your timeshare. But that ask turns into demands for thousands of dollars…before you find out there’s no buyer, your money’s gone, and that “agent” was a scammer.

Timeshares are hard to sell and only a scammer will tell you they already have a buyer or can find one fast. If you want out, it’s best to start by contacting the timeshare company directly.

To guard against a timeshare resale scam:

*Don’t pay upfront fees. Only scammers demand fees before they help you sell your timeshare.

*Do some research online. Search online for the company name or person who contacted you plus the word “scam” or “complaint.” See what other people are saying about their experience.

*Watch your bottom line. Sometimes scammers ask you to pay more than you originally paid for the timeshare. That’s a sign to walk away.

*Check out the agent and ask for references. Check with the real estate licensing agency in the state where the timeshare is located. Deal only with real estate agents and brokers licensed in that area.

*Then ask for references from satisfied clients — and check them out.

Report known or suspected violations to FTC.gov/fraud.

A Free Public Service

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

March 19, 2024

PAYDAY LOAN SCAMS

Attribution: scambusters.org

If you have to borrow from one of the 23,000 loan outlets in the US, you need to know how to check that you’re dealing with a legit firm and won’t get ripped off by crooks.

Short-term money needs are not unusual. The US Federal Reserve Board says more than 40% of Americans don’t have enough ready cash to meet an emergency.

How To guard against Payday Loan Scams:

When you need money fast and you don’t have any until your next paycheck shows up, it may be tempting to get a payday loan. But watch out – scammers are ready to step in. You could end up paying a lot more than the already astronomical fees some lenders charge.

Many borrowers, however, have to repeatedly take out new loans when they’re unable to repay the previous one – with extra charges heaped on top. According to research, more than 80% of payday loans are followed by another loan request within 14 days.

Unscrupulous Payday Loan Tactics:

Some of the most common scams that payday borrowers face and the tactics crooks use to trick their victims.

*Fake loans: Scammers advertise loans online, charge upfront fees, and then disappear. Often, they also collect bank account and credit card details, which they can use for identity theft. They may demand payment via untraceable methods like gift cards and money wires, and they may tell borrowers, after charging an initial fee, that more money is now required to guarantee the loan.

*Sky high interest rates: A typical two-week loan can carry an interest rate equivalent to 400% a year or more, but disreputable lenders never disclose this – just the daily or weekly charge, which, in this case, may be around 15% for a couple of weeks. Some states, but not all, impose a cap on how much interest can be charged. Among those that don’t, an annual rate of 600% and even as high as 1,000% is not unheard of.

*Hidden costs and extras: In addition to the loan, lenders collect fees and then charge for extras like credit insurance or some form of club membership without disclosing these are optional. Borrowers sometimes don’t realize what they’re signing up for.

*Helping themselves: Lenders access borrowers’ bank accounts to collect their money, without getting permission from them. Sometimes, they may continue to take money after the loan has been repaid, claiming the debt has not been settled.

*Repayment threats: Lenders illegally threaten borrowers with criminal charges for bounced checks. They also threaten to, and sometimes actually do, tell employers and family about the borrower’s debt situation. In some cases, they pose as debt collection agencies to add pressure on the victim.

*Safeguards Against urgent Payday Loan Scams

When money is needed urgently, borrowers may not take the time either to explore alternative sources of cash or to research payday lenders to ensure they’re dealing with a legitimate firm.

*It’s crucial to get advice and to educate yourself.

For example, you can quickly learn a lot from an online visit to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (see https://tinyurl.com/37tt8tvf). Other useful resources include the Center For Responsible Lending (https://www.responsiblelending.org/) and the nationwide network of financial experts you’ll find at 211.org, which claims to have helped more than 20 million consumers with their money woes.

Here are more actions you can take to safeguard against payday loan scammers.:

*Steer clear of upfront charges. Fees are usually added to the debt and collected when it is repaid at the end.

*Research the reputation of any lender you’re considering dealing with. Scam victims sometimes report their experience online and to consumer organizations like the Better Business Bureau. And legitimate lenders have to be licensed and registered with your state. So, check all of these places.

*If you know people who have already used payday loans, ask them about their experience.

*Speak to your employer or bank and explore other loan options like credit unions.

*Read all documentation carefully. If it’s thin on the ground or doesn’t explain things properly, look elsewhere.

*Don’t give your bank, employment, and other confidential information to anyone until you know you can trust them.

*If you get an unsolicited call offering a loan, hang up. Same goes for spam ads and emails. Ignore them.

*Beware of extended loan periods. More repayment time means more interest.

Don’t yield to high pressure tactics urging you to refinance.

*If you get a notice about unpaid debts, don’t ignore it. Lenders are legally required to give you a written “validation notice.” So, ask for one and dispute it if it’s not accurate.

If you know or suspect you’ve been scammed or are being targeted by a crook, report it to the police, your state consumer department and the US Federal Trade commission, FTC.gov.

Before you need to ask for a payday loan, make sure you know how they work and where to safely get them.

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A Free Public Service

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

March 28, 2024

CAREGIVER JOB SCAM

Attribution: US Federal Trade Commission

Is it a caregiving job or a scam?

As a nanny or caregiver, you know that families and employers trust you to take care of their children or older adults. It’s the same trust that scammers want to build with you when they post ads for fake jobs to steal your money and personal information. So how do you spot the scam?

Here’s how it works. You see an ad for a job, maybe at a job site, and apply. The phony “employer” sends you a check upfront and tells you to deposit it. “Keep part of the money,” they say, and send the rest to buy supplies or even toys for the children in your care. Don’t do it!

While the position seems real, it’s not. It’s a scam. Days later, you’ll find out from your bank that the check was fake, and you’ll lose any money you sent. Then you’ll be stuck repaying the money to the bank.

Here are more ways to spot and avoid phony nanny or caregiver jobs:

*Don’t send money to someone who says they want to hire you. An honest employer will never send you a check and then tell you to send them, or someone else, part of the money. That’s a scam.

*Don’t feel pressured to act immediately. Scammers want you to act without having time to think about what information you’re giving. Before you provide personal or financial information to a prospective employer, check out their story. *Search online to see if others report problems with this phony employer.

*Talk to someone you trust. Before you give any personal information, describe the offer to them. What do they think?

Report job scams to the job site and to 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.

March 20, 2024

MONEY REFUNDS from FTC

Attribution: Federal Trade Commission   

Did you pay Benefytt, which also did business as “MyBenefitsKeeper,” for a health plan or product that didn’t deliver the comprehensive insurance coverage the company promised?

You might be receiving some of your money back.

The FTC will return nearly $100 million dollars to Benefytt victims who paid for health plans the FTC says were falsely marketed as comprehensive health insurance or an “Obamacare” plan under the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

Here’s what to know about refunds:

Victims who paid Benefytt $1,000 or more between 2017 and 2022 may get some money back. If so, checks will be mailed automatically and should arrive within the next two weeks.

If you receive a check, you should cash or deposit it as soon as possible. Refund checks expire after 90 days.

For more information or questions, call the refund administrator, Epiq Systems, at 888-574-3126.

The FTC never requires you to pay money or give account information to cash a refund check. Anyone who contacts you and says they’ll help you file for a refund or get your money back — if you pay them first — is a scammer.

Before you sign up for health coverage or products:

Compare plans, coverage, and prices at a trusted source. HealthCare.gov and state marketplaces are the first stop for information about comprehensive, ACA-compliant health insurance coverage.

Find out more about the seller. Ask for the name of the agent and the agency that’s offering you a plan. Search online for the names plus “complaint,” “scam,” or “fraud.” Read what others are saying.

Check with your state insurance commissioner’s office to see if they have a license and find out if there are complaints. If they don’t have a license, what they’re selling is not insurance.

Resist pressure to make a decision on the spot. Legitimate health plans won’t pressure you to make a decision on the spot, and they’ll always give you a chance to compare their plan with other options.

Report scam or fraud attempts to FTC.gov.

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A Free Public Service

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

March 11, 2024

VERIFICATION CODE SCAM

Attribution: US FTC.gov

When you log into your bank or credit card account, you might get a text message or email with a verification code. You then enter it at the login screen to confirm it’s really you. That’s a form of two-factor authentication that adds a layer of security to your account — and keeps would-be scammers and hackers out.

Your account password and a verification code work together, like the lock on your doorknob and a deadbolt lock. If you unlock the doorknob but not the deadbolt, you can’t get in. Likewise, if you know the account password but not the verification code, you can’t get in.

The same goes for scammers trying to get into your account. To break into your account, scammers need both keys. That’s why they try to trick you into sharing your verification code.

Scammers pretend to be someone you can trust, and say they’ve discovered a problem with one of your accounts — or that someone’s using your identity. They may know some things about you and sound very convincing. They may even be very sympathetic to your problem: offering to help you set things right … and then asking for your verification code to get into your account. If you give them the code, they can log into your account and transfer all the money out of your savings or investment accounts.

Never give your verification code to someone else. It’s only for you to log into your account. Anyone who asks you for your account verification code is a scammer.

If you’re worried there’s a problem with your account, contact your bank, credit union, or investment advisor directly. Use a number you trust, like the one on your statement or in your app. Never use the number the caller gave you; it’ll take you to the scammer.

If someone asks you for your verification code, don’t engage. Hang up. Block their number. Stop texting them. Then report them 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.

March 10, 2024

CREDIT CARD DEBT SCAM

Attribution: US FTC.gov

Are you looking for ways to pay off credit card debt? Offers to help you cut down or wipe out your debt might sound like a perfect solution, but dishonest debt relief scammers will take your money and do little or nothing to help.

 So how do you guard against scammers?

If you’re having trouble keeping up with payments, it can help to make a budget. Use a worksheet to help you figure out where your money goes and if there are ways to cut your spending. If you’re already behind on your bills, don’t wait. Call your creditors and explain your situation before a debt collector gets involved. Try to work out a payment plan with lower, more manageable payments.

Learn to spot scammer debt relief companies that make all kinds of promises to get your money upfront:

^Never pay anyone who tries to collect fees from you before they do anything to help you deal with your debt. That’s illegal.

*Don’t share your financial or personal information with someone who calls unexpectedly, offering to help you settle your debts. That’s probably a scammer.

*Don’t do business with anyone who guarantees you results from a “new government program” for a fee, or tries to enroll you without first reviewing your financial situation.

*Who can help? You could work with credit counseling program to help you manage your money and debt. Look for these services at credit unions, universities, military personal financial managers, and U.S. Cooperative Extension Service branches. Many of these organizations offer services with low fees, but make sure you ask how much they’ll charge you.

Learn more at ftc.gov/debt

Suspect a debt relief scam? Tell the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

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