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

A Free Public Service

September 26, 2023

CHILDREN’S HEALTH INSURANCE PROGRAM SCAM

Attribution: US Federal Trade Commission

Obtaining health insurance for your family is expensive and can be stressful.

Finding and keeping health insurance for your children can be stressful and expensive. Following the pandemic, your state’s Medicaid Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) may be reaching out to update your family Medicaid enrollments.

Except scammers might try to get to you first. So how can you spot them?

First, while the process to renew may differ from state to state, nobody that is legit will ask for your personal information over the phone or demand that you pay to renew. Medicaid won’t. CHIP won’t. But scammers will.

So, to protect your family from scams:

Remember that CHIP won’t charge you to renew or enroll. CHIP may reach out to you by email, phone, or text messages to renew your coverage — but they won’t ask you to pay. They also won’t ask for your personal financial information, like your bank account or credit card number.

Things you can do:

Don’t click on links in text or email messages, even if it looks like the message is from your state’s Medicaid agency. That’s a scam. Go to Medicaid.gov to find your state’s Medicaid agency. Then contact that agency to get more information.

You can start at HealthCare.gov to compare insurance plans, coverage, and eligibility. The site requires information about your monthly income and age to give you a quote. But if anyone or any site asks for your financial information, like your bank account or credit card number, to get a quote, that’s a scam.

Know that medical discount plans are not medical insurance. Scammers often pitch medical discount plans by convincing people they’re the same as insurance — but they’re not. The crooks often will just take your money for very little or nothing in return.

If you spot a CHIP 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.

September 14, 2023

MAUI COUNTY, Hawaii (KITV4) — Officials are warning Maui County residents about an uptick in scams targeting DNA sample collection in the aftermath of the devastating Lahaina fire disaster.

Emergency officials issued the warning on Wednesday after they said they received reports from the Family Assistance Center in Kaanapali about some Maui resident who had been called by someone claiming to represent “DNA Services.”

Anyone who receives a DNA related call is advised to hang up immediately and notify the Maui Police Department via the non-emergency line at 808-244-6400.

The Family Assistance Center will not call community members to solicit DNA samples.

Any individual or entity proposing DNA sample collection outside the Family Assistance Center is unauthorized by Maui County and should be regarded was a scam.

Additionally, any requests for payment linked to DNA sample collection are fraudulent and should be reported to Maui Police immediately 808-244-6400.

How you can help those affected by the Maui wildfires

If you would like to submit a DNA sample, go to the Family Assistance Center located at 200 Nohea Kai Dr. in Lahaina. The center is open daily from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. Officials say the primary objective of the center is to aid immediate family members of individuals reported missing, who can submit DNA samples, the focus remains firmly on wildfire victim and survivor identification.

Those who are off island and would like to submit a DNA sample are asked to contact the FBI at 808-566-4300 or through email at HN-COMMAND-POST@ic.fbi.gov.

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A Free Public Service

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

September 10, 2003

HOME IMPROVEMENT SCAMS

Attribution: US Federal Trade Commission

Americans spend close to $500 billion a year on home improvement. And a chunk of that money, as much as $40 million, ends up in scammers’ pockets.

The home building, remodeling and repair industries are struggling to keep up with demand for their services. This has opened the door for scammers.

Roof repairs and replacements account for a major proportion, around 15 percent, of con tricks, followed by painting and concrete projects. Kitchen renovations also are scam favorites.

Homeowner complaints include:

*unlicensed and unqualified self-proclaimed contractors;

 *do a bad job or no job at all;

* heavily overcharged, and then disappear with your money;

 *Work taking longer than expected;

 * work unexpectedly going over budget;

 *work quality was lower than expected;

*workers showing up late or leaving early,

*uncleared messes, and rude or unprofessional behavior:

*quit before the job is completed;

* not properly insured;

 *High-pressure sales tactics:

 *Upfront payment demands then disappear

 *Bait-and-switch fraudsters quoting an extremely low price then claiming to have run into unforeseen and costly issues.

  *Using or switching to cheap materials;

   *Home improvement loan scams;

Instances of Home Improvement scams can be reported to www.ftc.gov/fraud.

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A Free Public Service

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

September 1, 2023

False Identification Scams

FALSE IDENTIFICATION SCAMS

Attribution: Federal Trade Commission

Scammers are at it again, this time pretending to be “Sheriff’s deputies” and threatening to arrest you for missing a court date.

The scam begins with a phone call from someone who says they’re a Sheriff’s deputy. He’ll say you missed a court date where you were supposed to give expert testimony. His tone is urgent, and he says you’ll be arrested unless you pay a fine — in cash or gift cards.

The scammer who called may use the name of a real officer or fake the caller ID to make their story more convincing. But the real officer isn’t calling. It’s a scammer who’s after your money.

To spot the scam, know this:

*Real law enforcement officers will never call to say you’re going to be arrested (or threaten to arrest you if you hang up).

*Real law enforcement officers will never demand that you pay fines by phone.

*Only scammers will call, text, or email demanding that you pay by cash, gift card, cryptocurrency, payment app, or a wire transfer service.

*The government will never do that.

 Don’t pay; don’t give the crook your personal information.

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

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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.