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

A Free Public Service

February 19, 2024

ROMANCE SCAMS  

Attribution: US Federal Trade Commission

When you have a new romance there’s so much to talk about. But if your new sweetheart only wants to talk about your money and how you should invest it, stop talking. They might be a romance scammer, like those who stole more than $1 billion from people last year.

How do the scams start, and what can you do to avoid one?

Romance scammers use lots of tricks to meet people. They might find you on a dating site, send you a surprise friend request on social media, or start a chat with you on a gaming site. If you answer, they’ll flood you with attention and want to talk every day.

But soon, their focus is on money — meaning your money. The love interest — who’s really a scammer — claims they desperately need you to send them money for an emergency, but the reason they give you is a lie. Or they pressure you to invest in cryptocurrency with their help, but they’re really steering you into an investment scam.  If you send or invest money, it’s probably gone forever.

Take steps to avoid a romance scammer:

Be cautious when you get a surprise direct message or friend request on social media. Try to limit who can see your posts and information by setting some restrictions on your privacy settings.

Don’t send money to an online love interest or anyone who demands payment with cryptocurrency, gift cards, wire transfers, or a payment app. Only scammers tell you to pay those ways.

Learn the signs of an investment scam, like when someone claims they have a secret method to make money. Visit Investor.gov for more advice on investing and avoiding fraud.

If you think 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.  

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A Free Pubic Service

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

A Free Public Service

February 19, 2024

A Free Public Service

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

February 8, 2024

CALIFORNIA WINTER SCAMS

Attribution: US FTC.gov

As record rainfall and heavy winds devastated the United States West Coast, you can bet that scammers are standing by, ready to get started after the storm. How can you spot the scammers?

Whether you’re looking for help to remove a fallen tree, you need a company to clean up water damage, or you’re waiting to get your power back on, scammers will tell you all kinds of stories to convince you that they’re there to help, but they’re really after your money and personal information.

Here are some ways to avoid disaster recovery scams.

*Be skeptical of anyone promising immediate clean-up or repairs. Some may quote outrageous prices or demand payment up front. If they refuse to give you copies of their license, insurance, and a contract in writing, don’t hire them.

*Spot utility imposter scams. Scammers pretending to be your utility company work year-round, but after a storm, they might seem more convincing. They might call or knock on your door saying they need to repair or replace equipment. Then they’ll ask you to pay with a wire transfer, gift card, payment app, or cryptocurrency. Don’t pay them. That’s a scam.

*Know that US FEMA agency 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.

*Learn more at ftc.gov/WeatherEmergencies. Then share the information with friends and family to help them avoid losing money, too.

Spot a disaster recovery 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.

February 5, 2024

VALENTINE SCAMS

Attribution: US Federal Trade Commission

A quick online shopping scroll shows tons of exciting Valentine’s gifts for those you love. If you order now, many sellers guarantee delivery on or before Valentine’s Day. But what happens when your order doesn’t arrive by that guaranteed date?

 As a customer, you have rights. Here’s what to know. 

By law, sellers must ship your order within the time they say they’ll ship. If they don’t give a specific time, your order must ship within 30 days. When shipping will be delayed, the seller has to let you know about it. Sellers also have to give you the choice to either accept the delay or cancel your order for a full refund.

Before you shop online:

*Research the seller first. Search the company online, especially if you haven’t shopped with the company before. Look up the company’s name, plus words like “review,” “complaint,” or “scam” and see what other people say.

*Read the seller’s refund and return policies carefully. Sellers often have different refund and return policies, and dishonest sellers will use tricky disclosures and fine print to deny refund requests.

*Use a credit card for online purchases, if possible. Credit cards offer the most protection against fraud compared to other types of payments including the right to dispute charges if there are problems with your purchase.

*Save your receipts and confirmation emails. If something goes wrong, these can help you get your money back from the seller or file a dispute with your credit card company.

If you think you were scammed through an online shopping experience, 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.

February 1, 2024

VETERANS IDENTITY THEFT SCAM

Attribution: US Federal Trade Commission

Identity theft can happen in a lot of ways: a stolen wallet, a missing phone, or a hacked online account. Then there are impersonators — scammers who pretend to be almost anyone. They’ll tell you almost any story to get you to trust them, so they can steal your money or information.

If you’re a veteran, there’s another risk: sharing information with someone who claims they’ll help with paperwork and filing benefits claims. But instead of helping you for free as they’re supposed to, dishonest advisers charge you — and may take and misuse your information, too.

What are some ways to protect yourself from identity theft targeting veterans?

Don’t pay to file — or get help with — VA benefits claims. It’s free to apply for any type of veterans’ benefits. Scammers may offer to help you for a fee or a percentage of the benefits you get. Don’t do it.

Don’t work with anyone who pressures you. Take your time to review paperwork and consider all your options, including doing nothing. Don’t sign blank paperwork to be filled in later. Also, be sure your VA benefits are deposited directly into your account — and not the account of an adviser, assisted living facility, or nursing home.

Safeguard your personal information. Never share your VA login credentials or password. Check out VA’s advice on setting up multifactor authentication on your VA accounts.

Check your credit report regularly. You’re able to get a free copy of your report every week from each of the three credit bureaus at AnnualCreditReport.com.

If you encounter identity theft, report it at IdentityTheft.gov. When you report, you’re telling law enforcement what happened and you also get step-by-step instructions on how to recover from any type of identity theft.

Get help if your VA benefits or services are affected. Call the toll-free VA Veteran Identity Theft Helpline: 1-855-578-5492. 

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A Free Public Service

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

February 1, 2024

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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