SCAMS BULLETIN Host Jay White is a volunteer attorney who provides free legal services for low income seniors in San Mateo County, California.

September 1, 2019

ONLINE COUNTERFEIT ITEMS FRAUD

Many counterfeit items are offered for sale on the Net. Here are 7 tips to avoid being taken:

*Don’t ever buy an item that you learn about via bulk email (“spam”). Your chances of receiving the item *at all* are only 45%, and the chance of your getting what you think at a reasonable price (so you’re happy with the transaction) is less than 5%. In other words, as Jim likes to say, “If it’s spam, it’s scam.”

*Always use a credit card to purchase online. This protects you. Your maximum exposure is $50, and often you won’t even lose that amount if you get scammed.

*If you are buying something at a reputable online auction site, always check out the references for the seller and only buy from sellers who have good references. And take advantage of online auction guarantees, such as those offered by amazon.com.

*Don’t conduct business with an anonymous user. Get the person’s real name, business name (if applicable), address, and phone number. Verify this information before buying. And don’t send your payment to a post office box.

*Be more cautious if the seller uses a free email service, such as hot-mail, yahoo, etc. Of course, most people who use these free services are honest. However, most problems occur when a free service is used. After all, with a free email service, it is very easy for the seller to keep his or her real identity and information hidden.

*Save copies of all of the emails and other documents involved in the transaction. Then, if you discover that an item is counterfeit, you have documentation to help you deal with the problem.

Use common sense and trust your intuition. If you have a funny feeling about an item, don’t buy it. You’re very likely right that it is counterfeit.

If you have been tricked into buying a counterfeit item you can file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission at www.ftc.gov.

Attb: FTC

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SCAMS BULLETIN Host Jay White is a volunteer attorney who provides free legal services for low income seniors in San Mateo County, California.

August 22, 2019

TIPS FOR AVOIDING ROBO CALLS       

The US Federal Trade Commission warns: Don’t answer calls from unknown numbers. If you answer such a call, hang up immediately.

You may not be able to tell right away if an incoming call is spoofed. Be aware: Caller ID showing a “local” number does not necessarily mean it is a local caller.

If you answer the phone and the caller – or a recording – asks you to hit a button to stop getting the calls, you should just hang up. Scammers often use this trick to identify potential targets.

Do not respond to any questions, especially those that can be answered with “Yes.”

Never give out personal information such as bank account numbers, Social Security numbers, mother’s maiden names, passwords or other identifying information in response to unexpected calls or if you are at all suspicious.

If you receive an inquiry from someone who says they represent a company or a government agency, hang up. Then call the phone number on your account statement, in the phone book, or on the company’s or government agency’s website to verify the authenticity of the request. You will usually get a written statement in the mail before you get a phone call from a legitimate source, particularly if the caller is asking for a payment.

Use caution if you are being pressured for information immediately.

If you have a voice mail account with your phone service, be sure to set a password for it. Some voicemail services are preset to allow access if you call in from your own phone number. A hacker could spoof your home phone number and gain access to your voice mail if you do not set a password.

Talk to your phone company about call blocking tools they may have. There may be an app that you can download to your mobile device to block unwanted calls.

If you use robocall-blocking technology already, it often helps to let that company know which numbers are producing unwanted calls so they can help block those calls for you and others.

To help block telemarketing calls, register your number on the Do Not Call List. Legitimate telemarketers consult the list to avoid calling both landline and wireless phone numbers on the list. #

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SCAMS BULLETIN Host Jay White is a volunteer attorney who provides free legal services for low income seniors in San Mateo County, California.

August 22, 2019

WEIGHT LOSS SCAMS

Some ads for weight loss products promise miracles. They might say that the product works for everyone or will let you lose weight permanently. Those claims are lies. Dishonest scammers will tell you anything to get you to buy their product. They might have images of “doctors” in their ads and even “news” reports, or testimonials to make you believe that the product works.

Promises like “lose weight without diet or exercise” or the “product works for everyone” are false.

The truth is that weight loss requires lifestyle changes. Doctors, dieticians, and other experts agree that the best way to lose weight is to eat less and exercise more. But if you get wooed by a weight loss ad with wild promises, all you’ll lose is your money. And the products might not be safe.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has investigated, sued, and stopped many companies that made false weight loss claims in their ads. The FTC launched a new website to help people identify false weight loss claims. At FTC.gov/WeightLoss you’ll find tips about how to avoid scams and share this with your friends.

If you are a weight loss victim—or attempted victim—share this with the Federal Trade Commission, www.ftc.gov. It might keep others from being scammed.

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SCAMS BULLETIN Host Jay White is a volunteer attorney who provides free legal services for low income seniors in San Mateo County, California

August 8, 2019

FUNERAL SCAMS

Some unscrupulous fraudsters take advantage of families’ most trying times for their own monetary gain. To avoid being scammed it’s important to think clearly and beware of funeral scammers.

Even when everything is on the up-and-up, funerals and burials tend to be expensive. Unethical funeral fraudsters seek to collect more by overcharging for items, or tricking you into buying packages with extra features you don’t want or need.

The Funeral Rule, a regulation enforced by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), requires funeral homes to disclose the cost of every item and service they provide, but they don’t always comply.

Many Americans seek to ease the burden on their families by arranging their funerals in advance and prepaying some or all of the costs. That might seem like a prudent choice, but prepaid plans have their own pitfalls. Regulations vary widely from state to state, and you might not be protected if, for example, the funeral home you dealt with goes out of business or you move out of the state where you bought the plan.

Warning Signs

*Dishonest funeral directors may insist you need to purchase a casket even if your loved one is being cremated (you don’t) or try upselling you to a pricy “protective” casket they claim will preserve the body longer (it won’t).

*A funeral director tries to make you feel guilty for not purchasing the most expensive products and services.

*You are not shown an itemized price list before you discuss arrangements.

Do’s

*Do shop around and ask questions. Funeral homes are required to provide price information over the phone if asked, and some post their price lists online.

*Do be wary of package deals that promise a discount on the casket; they often make up the difference in fees and unnecessary services. A funeral home cannot force you to buy a package that includes items you don’t want. *Do consider buying a casket or urn from a local store or online. You might pay less, and a funeral home can’t legally refuse your choice or require you to be present when it’s delivered.

*Do understand what you’re getting in a prepaid funeral contract. Does the plan cover only merchandise (like the casket and vault), or does it include services as well?

Don’ts

*Don’t be rushed into decisions. According to Consumer Reports, if the body is at a hospital morgue or with a coroner, you should have at least two days to make arrangements, and possibly a week or more. *Don’t be pressured into paying more than you want to spend.

*Don’t tell a funeral director in advance how much you’re prepared to spend. *Don’t buy a casket if your loved one is being cremated. The FTC says there’s no state or local law that requires one.

*Don’t be pressured into paying or agreeing to pay for embalming. No state mandates embalming, although the FTC notes that some do require it if a body isn’t buried or cremated within a certain period. #

SCAMS BULLETIN Host Jay White is a volunteer attorney who provides free legal services for low income seniors in San Mateo County, California.

August 3, 2019

CENSUS INTERVIEW FRAUD

April 1, 2020 is Census Day — the due date for Americans to take part in the decennial national headcount. Until then, and possibly beyond, you’ll probably hear a lot about, and a lot from, the U.S. Census Bureau. It is also opportunity time for census interview fraud.

Census scammers contact you by phone, email, regular mail or home visit, or direct you to phony websites, seeking personal and financial information. They have the added advantage of pretending to represent an agency specifically tasked with asking questions.

To verify that a phone survey is legitimate call the National Processing Center at 800-523-3205, 800-642-0469 or 800-877-8339 (TDD/TTY).

There are some warning things to look for that no legitimate census agent will ask — for example, your Social Security, credit card or bank account number. Legitimate census takers won’t ask when you leave for or return from work. They won’t ask for money. They won’t threaten jail time if you don’t answer their questions.

Be especially watchful for impostors in early and mid-spring of 2020, when the actual Census Bureau will be sending out reminders to fill out your form. There may be agent following up in person at households that don’t respond.

Other Warning Signs:

You get an unsolicited email purporting to be from the Census Bureau.

A phony census agent asks you for money or financial data, such as the number of and amount in your bank account.

A phony census taker threatens you with arrest. Although taking part in the Census is required by law and you can be fined for not doing so, you can’t be imprisoned.

Do’s:

Do verify that a census taker who comes to your home is legitimate. They should have a Census Bureau photo ID badge (with a Department of Commerce watermark and an expiration date) and a copy of the letter the bureau sent you. You can also search for an agent’s name in the Census Bureau’s online staff directory.

Do confirm that a questionnaire you’ve received is on the Census Bureau’s official list of household or business surveys.

Do contact the bureau’s National Processing Center or the regional office for your state to verify that an American Community Survey or other census communication is genuine.

Do check that a census mailing has a return address of Jeffersonville, Ind., the site of the National Processing Center. If it’s from somewhere else, it’s not from the Census Bureau.

Attb: AARP

SCAMS BULLETIN Host Jay White is a volunteer attorney who provides free legal services for low income seniors in San Mateo County, California.

July 31, 2019.

WORSHIPERS TARGETED BY GIFT CARD SCAM

The Federal Trade Commission is experiencing a new spin on gift card scams. This time, scammers are pretending to be a pastor, rabbi, priest, imam, or bishop. They’re asking worshipers for gift card contributions for a worthy cause. Appeals are often made by email, but some persons are also getting texts and phone calls.

The bogus emails often include the name of the local pastor and a legitimate looking email address. But a closer look should raise some red flags. For example, the email address isn’t the one normally used by the church, and the service provider is different. The message may begin with a simple “Hi,” but doesn’t include a recipient’s name. There also may be spelling errors, including the pastor’s name.

The imposter will ask you to buy a popular gift card — frequently, iTunes, Google Play, or Amazon — and then ask for the gift card number and PIN on the back of the card. Those numbers let the scammer immediately get the money you loaded onto the card. And once that’s done, the scammer and your money are gone, usually without a trace.

If you or someone you know paid a scammer with a gift card, report it as soon as possible. Call the card company and tell them the gift card was used in a scam.

 Here is contact information for some of the gift card companies that scammers use most often.

Report gift card scams:

Amazon – Call 1 (888) 280-4331

Google Play – Call 1 (855) 466-4438

 Apple Support – Call 1 (800) 275-2273, then say “gift card” to be connected to a live representative.

MoneyPak – Call 1 (866) 795-7969

Then, tell the Federal Trade Commission about it at www.ftc.gov/complaint. Your reports may help law enforcement agencies launch investigations that could stop imposters and other fraudsters in their tracks.

SCAMS BULLETIN Host Jay White is a volunteer attorney who provides free legal services for low income seniors in San Mateo County, California.

July 27, 2019

SOCIAL SECURITY SCAMS

Reported by Federal Trade Commission.

Scammers are calling, pretending to be from the Social Security Administration (SSA) and saying that your Social Security number (SSN) has been suspended because of suspicious activity or being involved in a crime. Sometimes, the scammer wants you to confirm your SSN to reactivate it or will ask for money or gift cards to keep your SSN or bank account safe.

Here’s what to know:

Your Social Security number is not about to be suspended. You don’t have to verify your number to anyone who calls out of the blue. And your bank accounts are not about to be seized.

SSA will never call to threaten you or your benefits. And SSA will not tell you to wire money, send cash, or put money on gift cards. Anyone who tells you to do those things is a scammer.

Don’t trust what you see on caller ID.

Scammers can make it look like they’re calling from anywhere they wish– even a real SSA phone number.

Never give any part of your Social Security number to anyone who contacts you out of the blue.  The same for your bank account or credit card number.

Real SSA staff do call people who have ongoing business with the agency. But they’ll never threaten you, or ask you to send money.

Has your SSN been exposed or misused? Here’s what you can do:

File a report at ftc.gov/complaint.

 More information log onto FTC IdentityTheft.

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SCAMS BULLETIN Host Jay White is a volunteer attorney who provides free legal services for low income seniors in San Mateo County, California.

July 26, 2019

      DNA TESTING KITS SCAM

This is another government imposter scam. Medicare does not give out DNA Testing Kits.

It shows how creative scammers can be. The Federal Trade Commission is receiving reports of scammers calling claiming to be from Medicare. They are asking for Medicare numbers, Social Security numbers and other personal information in exchange for DNA Testing Kits.

The callers might say the testing kit is a free way to get early diagnosis for cancer or other diseases.

Red Flag Warning

Anytime the “government” caller demands information (or payment by wire transfer or gift card), it’s a scam.  Government agencies will rarely, if ever, call you. If they do, it will be after they send you a letter, or return a call you made to them.  

Don’t trust caller ID

Scammers use technology to hide their real number, but shows one that seems legit. If the caller ID shows 202 area code, or says “government” or “Washington, DC” don’t take it at face value. It could be by anyone calling from anywhere.

Protect your Personal Information

Never give any unknown person your Medicare, bank account, credit card or Social Security number. Scammers will steal your identity and talk action that will cost you money.

Report any scam to http://www.ftc.gov.

You are urged by the FTC to report government imposters by e-mail at www.ftc.gov.

SCAMS BULLETIN Host Jay White is a volunteer attorney who served low income seniors in San Mateo County, California.

July 10, 2019

CLASS ACTION LAWSUITS SCAMS

At one time or another, you may receive a notification of your entitlement to participate in one or more class-action lawsuits. What Is a Class Action Lawsuit?

A Class Action lawsuit allows joining together a large number of people with a common interest who suffered similar harm or have a similar claim. The claims usually result from allegations of injuries, financial loss, frauds (i.e. scams) and other harms.

What to Do if You’re Entitled to a Claim. If you’re notified that your name has been included in a class action, or if you believe you’re entitled to participate even though you haven’t been notified, you generally will have to file a claim.

If after a likely extended time there is a settlement, you should receive what’s called a class notice (or you’ll see it advertised). You then you have to submit a claim to the legal firm handling the lawsuit.

But don’t expect a quick settlement and payout. Most class action lawsuits take years rather than months. Nor should you expect a big windfall. By the time the proceeds of a settlement are divided up among all those affected, your share might be just a few dollars.

How to Guard Against a Lawsuit Scam. You can guard against potential lawsuit scams by following these 5 tips:

*Be wary of email notifications. Most lawsuit notifications arrive in the US Mail. An email notification usually signals a scam.

*Never pay upfront to take part in a claim. Legitimate lawyers get their fees from the settlement, not from plaintiffs. Scammers often try to lure victims by promising thousands of dollars in settlements. That’s a red flag.

*Be extra cautious if you’re asked to provide confidential financial information, like bank account details or Social Security numbers. They’re not required for the lawsuit and settlements are usually paid by check.

*Check the Internet for information about the lawsuit. Review the court’s case records. The notification documents or advertisements should name the court and include a case number (known as a docket number).

 *Watch out for fake settlement checks followed by a request for you to wire part of the payment to a scammer disguised as an attorney.

You should also keep tabs on the case as it progresses through court. 

To learn more about class action lawsuits, visit ClassAction.org.

SCAMS BULLETIN Host Jay White is a volunteer attorney who provides free legal services for low income seniors in San Mateo County, California.

July 8, 2019

WE PAY CASH FOR YOUR HOUSE SCAM

“We pay cash for your house” You’ve probably seen those signs posted on streetlights, planted on empty lots, increasingly on social media sites or mailed directly to you.

If you’re in a hurry to sell, or having difficulties attracting an offer, it may seem like a tempting deal.

These guys are known in the real estate business as “opportunity investors.” Their “opportunity” is someone else’s distress – victims of foreclosure, divorce, bankruptcy, or other urgency.

If you are diligent and take the right steps to check out the cash buyer, you might cut a deal that at best gets you out of financial trouble. But you won’t get the price a regular realtor might land for you. On the other hand, you won’t pay a commission and other escrow charges.

According to one report the average cash offer is about 65 percent of a home’s fair market value (FMV) that a legitimate realtor might obtain. The “buyer” will then almost certainly relist your home and since, unlike you, he’s not in a hurry, earn himself a fat profit. Oh, and he’ll make you sign a contract that prevents you from seeking any further amount after the sale.

Their tactics usually involve pitching an offer that matches your outstanding mortgage and other debt (if it’s not too high). They know how tempting it sounds.

How to Minimize the Cheats:

*Have your home professionally appraised so you’re in a better position to judge the value of the offer.

*Check out the reputation online of the cash buyer. In particular, watch out for so-called “bird-dogs” – people who are just trawling for potential business, selling your contact details to investors.

*Ask for references, such as details of houses they previously bought, with names of the sellers. And ask for the buyer’s bank details so you can check that they even have the money. Some disreputable buyers have no cash but try to borrow it from a bank once they prove they have a good deal lined up.

*Be wary about any company that charges fees for processing or administration. This is not the norm in the real estate business.

*Beware of offers-to-buy “sight unseen.” If you get an offer from someone who hasn’t seen your home, it’s almost certainly a scam.

*Watch out for an advance check fraud. A scam buyer will send a dud cashier’s check and ask you to deposit it and forward part of it to a designated person to cover fees.

If you follow the instructions, you should expect what happens next: You deposit the dud cashier’s check in your bank account, forward money from your bank account, then the check bounces. You end up reimbursing your bank out of your pocket at a time when you can least afford it.

Attribution: scambusters.org