A Free Public Service

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

July 1, 2021

TRAVEL SCAMS

Courtesy AARP

How It Works

Crooks set up look-alike travel and booking sites in hopes you will book with them rather than your intended company. They create fake vacation-rental listings, which are often altered from real listings that they have stolen from legitimate sites.

Often, bogus travel sites appear high up in search rankings because scammers buy and pay for promotion. Listings at a lower-than-expected price could be a sign that it’s not legitimate.

The typical request is for you to pay in advance with something other than a credit card when the listing is fraudulent.

What You Can Do

 *Be skeptical of any pitch that offers a cut-rate hotel, airline or car rental that seems too good to be true.

*Vet travel reservation sites or agents before you book. First conduct a web search on the company name (along with the word “scam” or “complaint”) and check to see if the listing shows up elsewhere. Also check out reviews on popular review sites.

*Pay for travel reservations and bookings with a credit card, which offers greater protections than peer-to-peer apps or other forms of payment.

To report any fraudulent conduct call AARP: 877-908-3360

A Free Public Service

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

June 26, 2021

RENTAL CAR SCAMS

Courtesy US Federal Trade Commission

With rental car availability at an all-time low, prices are sky high. So, if you suddenly find an available car at a cheap price, you might be dealing with scammers looking to cash in on the rental car shortage.

Scammers are posing as rental car companies, setting up their own websites, and advertising fake customer service phone numbers, all to convince travelers they’re legit. Then, they’re asking people to pre-pay for the rental — with a gift card or prepaid debit card.

To guard against rental car scammers driving off with your money:

Research the rental car company by searching for the name of the company and words like “scam,” “complaint,” or “review” to check if other people have had a bad experience.

Verify deals with the company directly. If you need customer support, look for contact info on the company’s official website. Don’t use a search engine result. Scammers can pay to place sponsored ads in search results, so they show up at the top or in the sponsored ad section.

Pay with a credit card if possible, and never pay with a gift card or prepaid debit card. You can dispute credit card charges, but gift cards and prepaid debit cards can disappear like cash. Once you give the number and PIN to a scammer, the money is gone.

Before you rush to book that miraculously available rental car, take time to read up about things you should consider when renting a car. If you spot a rental car scam, tell the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

MORE ABOUT CAR RENTALS 

Here are some things to think about when choosing a rental car:

Size matters — The size of your rental can affect the price you pay. Terms like “compact,” “mid-size,” and “luxury” vary across rental car companies.

Comparison shop — Check out a few websites for the kind of rental you want. Look for rates with individual rental companies and price comparison websites.

Special deals — You may find deals if you book in advance, or in combination with a flight or hotel stay. Check the fine print for limitations, including blackout dates when an advertised price may not be available. You also may get discounts as a perk with your credit card company, or if you belong to certain groups, like auto clubs or big box stores.

Your driving record — Ask the rental car company if they check customers’ driving records. Many do, and even if you have a confirmed reservation, recent driving violations may prevent you from getting the car.

Fees and Charges:

The advertised rates for rental cars may not give you a true picture of what you’ll actually pay. Factor in other possible fees and charges.

Early returns — Some companies may charge a fee if you return the car more than 24 hours before your reservation ends. If you have to return the car early, call the company to talk to an agent.

Late returns — Many companies won’t charge you extra if you’re late returning a car by less than 30 minutes. But you still may have to pay a full day’s charge for optional items, like liability coverage. If you’re running late, find out if it’s cheaper to pay the late charges or extend your reservation.

Airport surcharges — Renting a car at the airport can be expensive. Surcharges can apply even when a rental company shuttles you to their off-site lot.

Gas — Most companies require you to return your rental with a full tank of gas. If you don’t, you’ll be charged the rental company’s price for gas, which is usually more expensive than what you’d pay at a local station. Some companies may offer to let you prepay for a full tank of gas so you don’t need to stop for gas before you return the car. This may add convenience but could also be more expensive than filling up yourself, especially if you return the car with plenty of gas that you already paid for.

Mileage — Most companies offer unlimited miles, but there may be daily limits, depending on the type of car you rent (for example, some SUVs or high-performance cars). It helps to know about how far you plan to drive. That way, you can choose the company that offers the best mileage terms.

Taxes — Before making your reservation, review your quote carefully to confirm that required state, city, or county taxes and other fees, like a “vehicle licensing fee” or an “energy recovery fee,” are included to avoid surprises later.

Tolls — Most companies offer ways to pay tolls automatically with devices, but that comes at a cost. The company might:

charge you a service fee for every day of your rental — even if you don’t use the service again. There’s usually a maximum dollar amount for the rental period.

add a service fee each time you pay a toll with the device, meaning that you pay the toll and an additional fee.

offer the device for a set fee for the entire rental period, which covers all tolls you pass through. But that means you pay for the device, even if you don’t go through any tolls.

Roadside assistance — Ask if this service is included in the base price of your rental car or if you have to pay extra. If there’s a fee, find out what it covers — for example, if you have a flat tire, dead battery, or lock the keys in the car. If you belong to an auto club, check to see if your membership includes free or low-cost roadside assistance. You can also check if your credit card (assuming you use it to pay for the rental) or your auto insurance may had roadside assistance for rentals.

Out-of-state charges — Most companies will let you take your rental out of state, but some may charge extra.

Drop-off fees — It may be expensive to return your rental to a different place than where you picked it up.

Equipment-rentals — If you want extra items, like a car seat, or ski or bike racks, it will cost you. Reserve these items in advance to make sure they’ll be available.

Additional drivers — Some companies charge to add another driver to your contract.

Underage drivers — The minimum age to rent a car is 25. However, most major car rental companies allow younger people to drive a rental for a fee.

Coverage Options:

Insurance — Rental car companies usually offer drivers additional insurance coverage options for a price. They say you can limit your liability while driving their car if you buy their coverage. But you may already be covered by your car or homeowner’s insurance. Check your policies, and call your insurance company if you’re not sure about coverage. If you’re traveling on business, you may be covered by your employer’s insurance. Some credit card companies and auto clubs include free rental protection when you use their cards to pay for rentals.

Waivers:

 Rental companies also may try to sell you a Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) or a Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) that guarantees the rental company will pay for damages to your rental car. But unlike collision insurance, a waiver won’t pay for any injuries to you or damages to your personal property. Check your health insurance policy. It might offer protection that CDW coverage doesn’t.

Some credit cards also offer CDW when you use them to pay for the rental.

If you don’t buy a CDW or aren’t covered by your personal car insurance, you’re responsible for any damages to the rental — sometimes the full value.

If you buy CDW, your coverage could be canceled if you damage the car while driving recklessly or under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The coverage also could be canceled if you let an unauthorized person drive the rental.

Debit and Credit Card Blocking:

Most rental companies place a hold — or a block — on your debit or credit card for more than the agreed on rental cost. That’s to protect themselves from possible charges beyond the amount that was authorized. Companies do this to make sure there’s enough money or credit available to pay for your final bill. They won’t process the blocked amount if you return the car as promised in your rental contract. If you’re near your credit limit or you have a low balance in your bank account when a block is placed, your card could be declined for additional purchases.

Report a problem to US Federal Trade Commission: www.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, 2021

TIMESHARE RIPOFF 

Courtesy US Federal Trade Commission

What is a Timeshare?

A timeshare is an arrangement whereby several joint owners have the right to use a property as a vacation home under a time-sharing agreement. If you are considering having a timeshare this vacation season, read on.

Maybe you received a flyer in the mail with pictures of sunny beaches and beautiful resort suites. Sounds great, right? But before you sign a timeshare contract, make sure you understand what you’re getting into — and how to get out of it.

Not all timeshares work the same way. Some use points to determine where you can stay and for how long. Others get you one week a year at a resort, but it’s not always the same week or the same unit. The cost also varies … a lot. Typically, timeshares require you to pay initial fees and yearly maintenance fees that may increase every year.

A timeshare document is complex and will give you a membership right to use certain property. Unless certain arrangements are expressly included, it will not provide a deed title ownership to the property.

 Aggressive promoters might offer you a gift or delicious meal as enticement to attend a timeshare presentation. If you decide to attend, the sales staff will likely make a lot of promises and pitches designed to get you to sign right then and there without giving you time to think about it or do any of your own research. You will not have read the “fine print”.

 Before you sign that timeshare agreement, ask yourself a few questions:

Do I understand my rights under terms of the document?

If the timeshare is only for a specific property, is this where I want to vacation every year?

Can I afford this timeshare, even if the maintenance fees go up?

Do I have the time to deal with issues that may arise if I can’t book the unit I want during the time I want to travel?

If I no longer can afford or want the timeshare, how can I sell it?

MORE INFORMATION

Read Timeshares, Vacation Clubs, and Related Scams for more tips.

Blog Topics: Homes & Mortgages, Renting & Timeshares

ANECDOTAL COMMENTS

*Timeshares are the biggest rip off in the world. Avoid them at all costs. They lie to you and pressure you to buy knowing once they got you on the hook, they got you. You will be paying for life. Fees Increase yearly. It’s hard to get the place you want when you want it. Be warned!!!

*I got talked into this in 2012. Could never find a resort when I wanted to go on vacation. These are all lies and you never own a resort. Just pay high fees and maintenance fees go up every year. I am with a company to get me out of this mess! They should be made to pay me back all the money I lost in their lies!

*We’ve had a timeshare for over 20 years. They work great for a vacation week but they are not investments. Our sales person was honest and told us that but she said it guarantees you a nice vacation for a week. Now the sales people are getting too aggressive to make a sale and they turn people off. Too bad.

*Thank you for this very important warning! I almost bought a timeshare in Mexico and am so glad I didn’t! The area is riddled with crime now and unsafe.

*Great bullet point about “how can I sell it?”, but I didn’t see any information in the article about that. So, how can I sell my timeshare? There are so many scammers out there, where is a safe place to go?

*My ex-wife and I had a time share and it was a disaster. The cost rise sharply every year and you pay a fee to change locations or date. A timeshare is almost a Ponzi Scheme, they need to keep feeding the bottom to supply the top. Stay away!!!!!!!!

*They may tell you not to worry about reselling the timeshare as there is so much demand for it. However, think ahead 10 yrs or so and realize the property may have changed who manages it and it may be impossible to get out of it. Third parties make a business off getting people out of timeshares, and you usually have to pay them to take it so that you can be rid of the fees. Life happens.

You can report scams, fraud and bad business practices at the FTC website: www.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 18, 2021

SCAMMER BECKY FROM MEDICARE 

Courtesy of AARP

How It Works

               A prerecorded call from “Becky from Medicare” encourages you to press “1” to talk to a representative to learn about “free genetic testing.”

If you interact with “Becky”, she will claim you are eligible for genetic testing to screen for diseases that Medicare will pay for; it’s a scam.

You may be asked for your Medicare number and mailing address to send you a “test kit with instructions.”

What You Should Know

•             Medicare will never call you personally to offer genetic screening or any other test, treatment or device — the program requires a prescription from your doctor for all of these.

•             The ultimate prize for scammers is your Medicare number: Once they have that, they bill Medicare — costing the program billions each year.

•             These charges can also result in Medicare denying you for services you  need later on.

What You Should Do

•             Don’t engage with Becky, or anyone else who claims to be working with or for Medicare offering free access to tests, devices or treatments. Medicare simply doesn’t work this way.

•             Share your Medicare number only with trusted health care providers.

• Calls from out of the blue for free resources from Medicare are only out to deceive you and drain Medicare resources.

•             Review your Medicare summary notices. Make sure the dates and services listed are correct. If something doesn’t look right, call your medical provider’s office.

•             For help determining if something is legitimate, or if you’ve experienced this or another scam, call the free AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline at 1-877-908-3360.

A Free Public Service

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

June 9, 2021

CYBERBULLYING 

Courtesy US Federal Trade Commission

Cyberbullying is bullying that happens online. It can happen in a text message, an online game, or on social media. It might involve trolling, rumors, or images posted on social media or passed around for other people to see. Bullying often makes the person being harassed feel very bad — some to the extent of calling the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255.

if you or someone you know is considering suicide for any reason, including bullying, don’t wait. The Trevor Project www.thetrevorproject.org has help lines (phone 1-866-488-7386, chat, and text) to help LGBTQ+ youth. 

If you or someone you know are the target of cyberbullying, here are some ideas to consider:

*If you see someone being bullied, send them a message.

*Tell them what’s happening is not ok.

*Ask them how they’re doing and how you can help. Offer to talk, online or in person.

*Say something positive and kind.

*Tell the bully to stop.  If you know the person who is doing the cyberbullying, tell them to knock it off. Mean behavior usually stops when somebody stands up for the person being bullied. Speaking up in favor of the person being bullied is important because staying silent is basically telling the bully it’s ok to do it.

If you’re being bullied, block the person, take a screenshot and save the evidence. Don’t respond to harassing messages. Then talk to a trusted friend or adult and report the incidents to the social media platform.

No one should have to tolerate cyberbullying and we all have a responsibility to each other. Check out http://www.stopbullying.gov, a site from the Department of Health and Human Services for more information on how to confront cyberbullying.

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A Free Public Service

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

June 1, 2021

FAKE FERTILITY PRDUCTS CLAIMS

Courtesy US Federal Trade Commission

Fertility is the quality of being able to produce children. Infertility is commonly considered when there is a difficulty or an inability to reproduce naturally. Experiencing infertility is not discriminatory against any person. The phenomenon is widely acknowledged, with fertility specialists available all over the world.

Human fertility depends on factors such as nutrition, sexual behavior, consanguinity, culture, instinct, endocrinology, timing, economics, way of life, and emotions.

Persons facing difficulties having children often explore fertility products to help them become pregnant. But some products, including some dietary supplements, that claim to solve fertility problems are not science-based and can put your health at serious risk.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are teaming up to stop companies marketing fertility dietary supplements from deceiving people about the effectiveness of their products and implying that they meet FDA guidelines when they don’t. On their websites and other marketing materials, the companies say their dietary supplements treat, mitigate, or prevent infertility and other reproductive health conditions. For example, one supplement said it can “boost your chance of pregnancy or improve your IVF success rate.” But these claims are not backed by solid science. The FDA and FTC sent warning letters to these companies telling them to remove unproven claims from their marketing materials.

Deceptive claims about fertility and other supplements peddle promises that can play on your emotions. At best, these false guarantees give false hope and waste your time and money. At worst, they can result in serious side effects. Before you try any new treatment talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. Get additional reliable information at MedlinePlus.gov and Healthfinder.gov — and be sure to report companies promising medical miracles at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

ATTRIBUTION: FTC.GOV.

A Free Public Service

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

May 24, 2021

CRYPTOCURRENCY INVESTMENT SCAMS

Courtesy US Federal Trade Commission

Cryptocurrency is a type of digital currency that generally only exists electronically. There is no physical coin or bill unless you use a service that allows you to cash in cryptocurrency for a physical token.

Some persons use cryptocurrency for quick payments, to avoid transaction fees that regular banks charge, or because it offers some anonymity. Others hold cryptocurrency as an investment, hoping the value goes up.

 Bitcoin and Ether are well-known cryptocurrencies, but there are many different cryptocurrency brands, and new ones are continuously being created.

You may exchange cryptocurrency with someone online, with your phone or computer, without using an intermediary like a bank.

Cryptocurrency investment scams can happen in many ways, but they’re all full of fake promises and false guarantees. Scammers might post investment sites that look real, but you’ll find you can’t withdraw the money you’ve “invested.” Others pretend to be celebrities — like a would-be Elon Musk — doing giveaways with claims of multiplying any cryptocurrency you send. Scammers also use online dating sites to sweet-talk others into bogus crypto investments in the name of love.

If you’re thinking about investing in cryptocurrency:

Research before you invest. Search online for the company and cryptocurrency name, plus “review,” “scam,” or “complaint.”

Be wary of guarantees and big promises. Scammers often promise you’ll make money quickly, or that you’ll get big payouts or guaranteed returns. Don’t trust them.

Anyone who says you must pay by cryptocurrency, wire transfer, or gift card is a scammer.

MORE ABOUT CRYPTOCURRENCY

Courtesy US Federal Trade Commission

How do you get cryptocurrency?

You can buy cryptocurrency through an online exchange platform. Some people earn cryptocurrency through a complex process called “mining,” which requires advanced computer equipment to solve highly complicated math puzzles.

Where and how do you store cryptocurrency?

Cryptocurrency is stored in a digital wallet, which can be online, on your computer, or on an external hard drive. But if something unexpected happens — your online exchange platform goes out of business, you send cryptocurrency to the wrong person, you lose the password to your digital wallet, or your digital wallet is stolen or compromised — you’re likely to find that no one can step in to help you recover your funds. And, because you typically transfer cryptocurrency directly without an intermediary like a bank, there is often no one to turn to if you encounter a problem.

How is cryptocurrency different from U.S. Dollars?

There are important differences between cryptocurrency and traditional currency.

Cryptocurrency accounts are not backed by a government. Cryptocurrency accounts are not insured by a government like U.S. dollars deposited into a bank account. If you store cryptocurrency with a third-party company, and the company goes out of business or is hacked, the government has no obligation to step in and help get your money back.

Cryptocurrency values change constantly. The value of a cryptocurrency can vary rapidly, even changing by the hour. It depends on many factors, including supply and demand. An investment that’s worth thousands of dollars today might be worth only hundreds tomorrow. And, if the value goes down, there’s no guarantee it will go up again.

Paying with Cryptocurrency

If you’re thinking about paying with cryptocurrency, know that it’s different from paying with a credit card or other traditional payment methods.

Cryptocurrency payments do not come with legal protections. Credit cards and debit cards have legal protections if something goes wrong. For example, if you need to dispute a purchase, your credit card company has a process to help you get your money back. Cryptocurrencies typically do not.

Cryptocurrency payments typically are not reversible. Once you pay with cryptocurrency, you can usually only get your money back if the person you paid sends it back. Before you buy something with cryptocurrency, know the seller’s reputation, where the seller is located, and how to contact someone if there is a problem. Confirm these details by doing some research before you pay.

Some information about your transactions will likely be public. People talk about cryptocurrency transactions as anonymous. But the truth is not that simple. Some cryptocurrencies record some transaction details on a public ledger, called a “blockchain.” That’s a public list of every cryptocurrency transaction — both the payment and receipt sides. Depending on the cryptocurrency, the information added to the blockchain can include details like the transaction amount and the sender’s and recipient’s wallet addresses. A wallet address is a long string of numbers and letters linked to your digital wallet. Even though you can use a fake name to register your digital wallet, it’s possible to use transaction and wallet information to identify the people involved in a specific transaction. And when you buy something from a seller who collects other information about you, like a shipping address, that information can be used to identify you later.

How to Guard Against Cryptocurrency Scams

Scammers are always finding new ways to steal your money using cryptocurrency. One sure sign of a scam is anyone who says you have to pay by cryptocurrency. In fact, anyone who tells you to pay by wire transfer, gift card, or cryptocurrency is a scammer. Of course, if you pay, there’s almost no way to get that money back. Which is what the scammers are counting on. Here are some cryptocurrency scams to watch out for.

Investment and business opportunity scams

Some companies promise that you can earn lots of money in a short time and achieve financial freedom.

Some scammers tell you to pay in cryptocurrency for the right to recruit others into a program. If you do, they say, you’ll get recruitment rewards paid in cryptocurrency. The more cryptocurrency you pay, the more money they promise you’ll make. But these are all fake promises, and false guarantees.

Some scammers start with unsolicited offers from supposed “investment managers.” These scammers say they can help you grow your money if you give them the cryptocurrency you’ve bought. But once you log in to the “investment account” they opened, you’ll find that you can’t withdraw your money unless you pay fees.

Some scammers send unsolicited job offers to help recruit cryptocurrency investors, sell cryptocurrency, mine cryptocurrency, or help with converting cash to bitcoin.

Some scammers list scam jobs on job websites. They’ll promise you a job (for a fee), but end up taking your money or personal information.

Look for claims like these to help you spot the companies and people to avoid:

Scammers guarantee that you’ll make money. If they promise you’ll make a profit, that’s a scam. Even if there’s a celebrity endorsement or testimonials. (Those are easily faked.)

Scammers promise big payouts with guaranteed returns. Nobody can guarantee a set return, say, double your money. Much less in a short time.

Scammers promise free money. They’ll promise it in cash or cryptocurrency, but free money promises are always fake.

Scammers make big claims without details or explanations. Smart business people want to understand how their investment works, and where their money is going. And good investment advisors want to share that information.

Before you invest, check it out. Research online for the name of the company and the cryptocurrency name, plus words like “review,” “scam,” or “complaint.” See what others are saying. And read more about other common investment scams.

Blackmail emails

Scammers will often send emails that say they have embarrassing or compromising photos, videos, or personal information about you. Then, they threaten to make it public unless you pay them in cryptocurrency. Don’t do it. This is blackmail and a criminal extortion attempt. Report it to the FBI immediately.

Social media scams

If you read a tweet, text, email, or get a message on social media that tells you to send cryptocurrency, it’s a scam. That’s true even if the message came from someone you know, or was posted by a celebrity you follow. Their social media accounts might have been hacked. Report the scam immediately to the social media platform, and then tell the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

How To Report Cryptocurrency Scams:

Report fraud and other suspicious activity involving cryptocurrency to

the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov

the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) at CFTC.gov/complaint

the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) at sec.gov/tcr

the cryptocurrency exchange company you used to send the money

ATTRIBUTION: http://www.ftc.gov.

A Free Public Service

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

May 17, 2021

RANSOMEWARE FRAUD 

Courtesy AARP

Ransomware is a particularly devious type of malicious software, or malware used by criminals to lock up your computer with a demand for money.

Once the program installs itself, it will lock up your computer and communicate a money demand. Payment is required as a condition for unlocking your computer.

The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) logged nearly 2,500 complaints of ransomware attacks against individuals, businesses and organizations in 2020.

 You can inadvertently download ransomware onto your computer or device by clicking on an online ad or email link, opening an attachment or, in some cases, simply going to a website where it has been planted (a form of attack called a drive-by download).

Money demand is usually in a cryptocurrency such as Bitcoin, Ethereum or Ripple (although ransomware crooks have been known to demand gift cards).

Be especially vigilant if you own or work for a small business. Fifty-five percent of ransomware attacks in the second quarter of 2020 targeted companies with 100 or fewer employees, according to cybersecurity firm Coveware.  But cybercrooks are increasingly going after bigger fish such as corporations and county or city government systems.

Nasty practice

 Some online scammers have combined ransomware with extortion, employing malware that generates a fake message purportedly from the FBI accusing victims of watching child pornography or downloading illegal files. They freeze computers until they are paid a “fine.”

Warning signs

*An email or instant message that seems phishy. Phishing is the most common method hackers use to spread ransomware, so be wary of messages that appear to come from a trusted source such as a friend or your bank but seem off in some way (for example, the grammar is bad or the sender’s address looks wrong).

*A pop-up on your computer or mobile device warns of viruses, promises a prize or redirects you automatically to another site.

*An email with a Microsoft Word document attached asks you to “enable macros” or “enable content.” Opening the attachment or following the “enable” instructions allows the file to download ransomware or other malicious software onto your computer.

Do’s

Do set your computer operating system, web browser and security software to update automatically so you’re always protected against the latest threats.

Do back up all of your important data. You can do so to a portable drive, but consider also signing up for a cloud-based backup service that automatically backs up your files and saves previous versions so can get them back unencrypted.

Do unplug portable drives from your computer when not in use, to lessen the chances that they, too, will be encrypted in a ransomware attack.

Do use an ad blocker program or browser extension to help protect your device from malware planted in web ads.

Do disconnect an infected computer from your home or office network to prevent ransomware from spreading to other devices.

Don’ts

Don’t click links in emails without first checking them out. Hover your cursor over the link, so you can see if the internet address, or URL, looks suspicious.

Don’t open an email attachment unless you’re expecting a file from someone and you know it’s safe.

Don’t click pop-up ads offering free software products that remove malware from your computer. Some ransomware developers use pop-ups to transfer their programs.

Don’t go to websites that contain pornography, pirated movies or other unsavory stuff. Crooks often plant malware in those places.

Don’t take a chance by paying a ransom to online crooks if your computer is attacked. After receiving the money they may just up the price, then destroy your data or leave it encrypted anyway—or attack a second time

You can call AARP at 1-877-908-3360

A Free Public Service

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

May 12, 2021

FAKE CBD SELERS

Courtesy scambusters.org

CBD, – full name cannabidiol – is the non-psychoactive element of marijuana and legal extract of hemp. It is being hailed by scammers as the wonder drug of the 21st century.

The US Food and Drug Administration has warned CBD sellers about making false or unproven treatment claims, but the scams continue. Outrageous claims about the treatment and cure potential of CBD could be putting people’s health at risk.

There’s either limited or no evidence of its effectiveness for an alleged wide range of disorders including insomnia and pain relief. Some sellers also outrageously claim it can be used in the treatment of cancer, AIDS, and multiple sclerosis.

Legal use

CBD, though legal in some forms throughout the US, is not approved for treatment by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), except for the seizure control drug Epidiolex.

The drug is usually sold as either a CBD tincture or edible product. In other cases, it may be mixed with other chemicals or herbs. That may be legal, but it’s the false claims some sellers are making that put them on the wrong side of the law.

Using CBD as an intended alternative remedy could mean that a patient is not taking the medication they should be, or it could complicate or defeat the effectiveness of prescribed medication.

The US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has stepped in with a crackdown in a campaign it has labeled “CBDeceit.” Initially, the Commission has targeted six firms it accuses of using deceptive marketing tactics.

STEPS TO PROTECT YOURSELF

If you’re considering taking CBD or a product containing it, use the following steps to guard against a scam:

*Be skeptical of any claims that a CBD-based product is scientifically proven to cure or treat your symptoms.

*Always talk to your doctor or health specialist about any alternative remedies you are considering using.

*Similarly, don’t stop taking any existing meds without checking with your health professional.

*Don’t fall for ads that claim their product is “guaranteed” to treat your condition or illness. There are no such guarantees, even in the world of most legitimate drugs, so you can safely ignore them.

As early as 2019, the Center for Disease Control said it had specific safety concerns about CBD including possible liver damage, interactions with other drugs, drowsiness, diarrhea, and mood changes. For that reason, it’s important that consumers consult a health care professional about treatment options scientifically proven to be effective.”

ATTRIBUTON: scambusters.org

A free Public Service

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

May 10, 2021

FAKE VACCINATON CARDS 

Courtesy fraud.org

As vaccination efforts continue to ramp up, scammers have found a new way to keep the COVID-fueled fraud going: counterfeit vaccine cards.

Many businesses and organizations are now requiring proof of vaccination, leading to the rise of counterfeit vaccine cards. Online advertisements for fake vaccination cards are popping up on sites like eBay and Etsy, ranging in price from $20 to $60. Demand for fake vaccination cards will likely rise as more organizations require proof of vaccination to do things like travel on an airplane or attend events.

In addition to fake vaccination cards, the Federal Trade Commission warns that scammers are doubling their efforts to peddle fake vaccine appointments to defraud people out of money and steal their identity. In reality, neither the COVID-19 vaccine nor appointments to be vaccinated have any cost to consumers. Fraudsters are exploiting the unfamiliar territory of booking a vaccine appointment to extract information from unsuspecting victims, such as Social Security numbers and bank account information.

Use the following tips to guard against being a victim to COVID-19 scams and to help stop scammers:

*Don’t pay for the COVID-19 vaccine or to book an appointment. Regardless of your health insurance status, you do not need to pay to book an appointment or to receive the coronavirus vaccine. The only cost associated with the vaccine is administrative, and the organization administering your vaccine will reach out to your health insurance company directly. If you are uninsured, the Health Resources & Services Administration has programs available to cover the cost of a vaccination. If someone is asking you to pay for a vaccine or an appointment, it is most likely a scam.

*Do not share personal health information with people you don’t know. Legitimate vaccination locations will not ask for personal information like your bank account, credit card information, or Social Security number. If you have questions about what is appropriate, check with your local health department or contact your doctor.

*Don’t share fully legible images of your vaccine card on social media. Card holders are understandably excited to share with their friends and family that they have been vaccinated. But sharing your vaccine card on social media opens the door for fraudsters to steal your identity. If you do plan to share your vaccine card online be sure to cross out sensitive information like your full name, birthday, and dates you received the vaccine.

If you or someone you know has been a victim of a vaccine card scam or any other type of fraud, we urge you to file a complaint at http://www.Fraud.org via our online complaint form.

ATTRIBUTON: fraud.org