A Free Public Service

October 8, 2024

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

HURRICANE RECOVERY SCAMS

Attribution: US FTC.gov 

Nobody knows how long it’ll take to recover from the devastating flooding and destruction of Hurricane Helene. But we do know it won’t be long before scammers try to cash in on the storm. As you’re working to get back on your feet, learn how scammers operate — and how to avoid them.

Here are a few ways that scammers might try to take your money or personal information after Hurricane Helene.

*Spot imposter scams. Scammers might pretend to be someone “official” like safety inspectors, or someone from government. But anyone asking you for your money or personal information right away is a scammer. Don’t give them money. Ask for identification and verify who you are dealing with.

*Spot Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) impersonators charging application fees. If someone asks you for money to help you qualify for FEMA funds, it’s a scam. That’s not how FEMA works. Instead, once you have service, download the FEMA Mobile App to get alerts and information.

*Spot home improvement and debris removal scams. Unlicensed contractors and scammers may appear in recovery zones with promises of quick repairs or clean-up services. Walk away if they demand cash payments up front, or refuse to give you copies of their license, insurance, and a contract in writing.

*Check out resources for Hurricane Helene from FEMA in English and Spanish.

Spotted a scam? Report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.                                                                                                                     #

A Free Public Service

October 1, 2024

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

If you have Medicare, Open Enrollment — which runs from October 15 through December 7 — is when you can make changes to your health and prescription drug plans.

Leading up to and during this time, you might see lots (and lots, and lots) of ads, and get lots (and lots, and lots) of phone calls about Medicare Advantage plans. Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private companies, and can differ from original Medicare when it comes to key things like in-network coverage, out of pocket costs, and referral policies for specialists.

There’ll be some changes to Medicare drug coverage coming in 2025. So as you review and compare your options this Open Enrollment Period:

• Confirm what you’re really getting. If you’re thinking about changing your coverage to or from a Medicare Advantage plan, don’t just take an ad, agent, or broker’s word for it when it comes to the details. Call the plan directly, check its website, or call 1-800-MEDICARE: Will your primary doctor, or other doctors you see, be in-network? Will your costs (including copayments) change? Will your prescriptions be covered? Will you need prior authorizations to get the care you need?
• Keep records. If you talked to an agent or broker about a plan and what it covers, keep track of who you talked to, when you talked, and what they told you. Ask for a written description of the plan’s terms. If it turns out the plan isn’t what they promised, the more information you have, the better.
• Get help comparing Medicare costs, coverage, and plans. Start with the State Health Insurance Assistance Programs (SHIPs) in all U.S. states and territories. And, as always, find unbiased information about your coverage options at Medicare.gov and 1-800-MEDICARE.

If you think you made the wrong plan choice because an agent, broker, or ad gave you misleading information, call 1-800-MEDICARE. Tell them what happened and they’ll share what options you have. Then tell the FTC: ReportFraud.ftc.gov. 

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A Free Public Service

September 28, 2024

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

SOLAR ENERGY SCAMS

Attribution: US FTC.gov

Did a salesperson knock on your door and promise free rooftop solar panels at no cost to you? Or say you’ll never have to pay another electricity bill because government programs, grants, or rebates cover your solar installation? It’s likely a scam. While there are some government-funded solar programs for households that qualify, “going solar” isn’t free. Honest businesses will tell you exactly how much it’ll cost to get and install solar panels. Here’s how to steer clear of the scams:

Do some research. Avoid solar companies that say a government program will cover the whole cost of solar panels — or say they’re from (or affiliated with) the government. These are lies. If you’re looking at solar energy for your home, get quotes from reputable providers with a valid license. Then compare them. Check out the Department of Energy’s guide for homeowners and commonly asked questions to learn more.

Don’t pay advance fees. Steer clear of anyone promising big savings and demanding large upfront payments or deposits. To get you to pay, scammers promise you big savings if you act fast — but they’ll vanish with no intention of ever doing or finishing the work. Legitimate providers will work with you to figure out whether solar energy is right for you. Check out the Department of Treasury’s guidance on clean energy.

Take your time. If someone is rushing you to sign a contract, or insists you sign an agreement on an electronic tablet without showing you the full agreement, stop. That’s something scammers do. Take the time to read and understand the agreement with the provider. Pay attention to warranties, cancellation policies, payment schedules, and try to spot any hidden fees. Honest businesses will give you time to go over the terms of the contract, understand the agreement, and let you sign it in writing.

To learn more, visit ftc.gov/solar. And if you spot a scam, tell the FTC.

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A Free Public Service

September 27, 2024

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

RECOVERY FROM IDENTITY SCAM

Attribution: US FTC.gov

 You hoped the day would never come when you learned someone used your personal information to open new credit accounts in your name. But it did. So now what? Act fast. It can help reduce the damage identity theft can cause. Here’s how to get started.

Step 1: Call the fraud department of the company where you know the fraud occurred.  Explain that someone stole your identity.

Ask them to close or freeze the accounts. Then, no one can add new charges unless you agree. Change logins, passwords, and PINs for your accounts.

Step 2: Place a fraud alert and get your credit reports — even if you already have a credit freeze in place. (If you haven’t frozen your credit, do that, too.) When you have a fraud alert on your credit report, a business has to verify your identity before it opens a new credit account in your name. A fraud alert lasts one year, but you can renew it.

Place a free, one-year fraud alert by contacting one of the three credit bureaus. That company must tell the other two.

Experian.com/help

888-EXPERIAN (888-397-3742)

TransUnion.com/credit-help

888-909-8872

Equifax.com/personal/credit-report-services

800-685-1111

To get your report, call Annual Credit Report at 877-322-8228, or go to AnnualCreditReport.com. Federal law gives you the right to get a free copy of your credit report every 12 months from each of the three nationwide credit bureaus. The three bureaus also let you check your credit report once a week for free at AnnualCreditReport.com. Review your reports. Looks for accounts or transactions you don’t recognize.

Step 3: Report identity theft to the US FTC.gov.

To report in English, go to IdentityTheft.gov

To report in Spanish, go to RobodeIdentidad.gov

If you’re more comfortable reporting in another language, call 877-438-4338 and press 3 to report in your preferred language. Interpreters are available from 9:00am – 5:00pm ET.

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A Free Public Service

September 19, 2024

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

JURY DUTY SCAM 

Attribution: US FTC.gov

Missing jury duty can come with real consequences. You could face a fine, go to court, or even get arrested. Scammers take advantage of that to get your money or sensitive information. But their story is a lie.

This scam usually starts with a phone call or an email from someone claiming to be from the police department or a court official. (They’re not.) They say you missed jury duty, even though you never got a jury duty notice. They’ll tell you there’s a warrant out for your arrest, and the only way to cancel it is to pay a fine. (It’s a lie.) If you refuse, they may threaten you with jail. Or they might ask for personal information like your Social Security number or date of birth to steal your identity. To make the scam seem real, scammers also might give you a fake sheriff’s badge number and case number.

Here’s how you can tell it’s a scam.

Courts never ask for immediate payment over the phone. In fact, no government agency will do that.

Only scammers insist that you can only pay with gift cards, a payment app, cryptocurrency, or a wire transfer service like Western Union or MoneyGram because it’s very hard to get your money back if you pay in these ways.

Courts never ask for sensitive personal information over the phone, like your Social Security number or date of birth. Only scammers do.

If you get a call or email like this, hang up or don’t respond. Don’t pay or give them any personal information. If you think a call or email could be real, call the court directly at a number you know is correct. Learn more about other ways scammers pretend to be the government. If you spot it, tell the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. 

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A Free Public Service

September 11, 2024

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

SEXTORTION SCAMS   

Attribution: scambusters.org

Sextortion stands out as a particularly subtle form of cybercrime threatening to expose personal or fake information.

Sextortionists methods can vary, but the common goal is to prey on their victims through social media platforms, dating apps, or email phishing scams.

 These perpetrators might pose as acquaintances or love interests to build trust, gradually coaxing their targets into sharing compromising material. Once the perpetrator has made that connection, the table turns quickly, and they start threatening to release the contents unless their demands for money are met.

They may use hacked accounts to lend credibility to their threats, making them seem more legitimate. Understanding these methods can help potential victims identify red flags early in their interactions.

Who Falls Victim to Sextortion?

While sextortion can affect anyone, certain groups are more vulnerable due to their online behavior or lack of awareness. Teenagers and young adults who frequently engage in digital communication and social media are often targeted.  Adults can become victims, particularly those who engage in online dating or social media networking. Perpetrators have stooped so low as to search for surviving widows or widowers by reading newspaper obituaries. They are looking for a lonely victim.

Dangers of Sextortion

The repercussions of sextortion extend beyond immediate financial loss but can destroy a person’s reputation. Other serious outcomes are:

*Victims often experience intense psychological distress including anxiety, depression, and shame. The fear of exposure can lead to social withdrawal, impacting their personal and professional relationships.

*The perpetrator instills fear into the victim to make them act quickly, scamming them out of money, and the victim just hopes they will go away. This is almost never the case. The perpetrator will continue their threats.

*In severe cases, the psychological impact can be devastating, leading to self-harm or suicidal thoughts.

*It’s crucial for victims to know they are not alone and that help is available. By creating a supportive environment where victims feel safe to speak out.

Victims can report their experiences to local law enforcement department and the US Federal Trade Commission www.ftc.gov/fraud.

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A Free Public Service

September 7, 2024

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

GIFT CARD COLLEGE SCAM  

Attribution:  US FTC.gov

Whether you’re kicking off the fall semester with a new internship or looking for an on-campus gig, there’s a scam you should know about.

You get a text or an email from someone who says they’re your boss (spoiler alert: they’re not really your boss). They have a favor to ask. They want your help with a surprise — maybe a party or some other reward for your coworkers. No matter the details, the ask is the same: they want you to buy some gift cards and send them photos of the card numbers and PINs. They promise to pay you back, sometimes even by the end of the day. But wait: before you decide to “help” your “boss,”—keep reading.

It’s a scam. It’s not your boss, there’s no surprise party or reward, and you won’t get paid back. It’s a scammer trying to get your money.

How can you spot a gift card scam like this?

Scammers will say it’s urgent. They don’t want you to have time to think about what they’re saying or talk to your actual boss or someone else you trust. Slow down. It’s a scam.

Scammers will tell you which gift card to buy (and where). They might say to put money on an eBay, Google Play, Target, or Apple gift card and send you to a specific store to get them.

Scammers will ask you for the gift card number and PIN. The card number and PIN on the back of the card let the scammer get the money you loaded onto the card — even if you still have the card itself. Never share those numbers or send a photo of the card.

If you sent gift card numbers and PINs to a scammer, report it to the gift card company right away and ask for your money back. Be ready to give them the card numbers when you call. And then tell the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.                                                         #

A Free Public Service

August 26, 2024

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

TITLE LOCK INSURANCE SCAM

Attribution: US FTC.gov

If you’ve seen ads for home title lock insurance, they might have you worried. After all, the ads say thieves can steal the title to your home. But then the ads tell you to buy title lock insurance to supposedly prevent home title theft. Stop. Take a breath. It’s just a ploy to scare you.

First, know that “title lock insurance” is not title insurance. If you’re a homeowner, you might remember buying title insurance when you first bought your house. It protects you against challenges to the title, like a lien you didn’t know about. But “title lock insurance” is different — and it’s not insurance at all. Instead, it’s a service that claims to monitor your deed to protect you against title fraud. You’d only find out AFTER your title got transferred to someone else without your authorization. So much for the lock.

Title fraud is identity theft: someone pretends to be you and transfers your deed to someone else. Title lock insurance (again: not a lock, not insurance) wouldn’t stop that. And you can check your title for free with your state’s land records office, and some areas even have a free notification program that allows you to sign up for alerts about any legal changes, like ownership of a property.

Here are some other steps you can take to protect yourself from identity thieves:

Check your credit report. Check your credit report for free through AnnualCreditReport.com. Each of the nationwide credit bureaus lets you get free weekly credit reports online.

Monitor your bills. If you suddenly stop receiving utility bills, that may be a sign of identity theft. If you’re worried, contact your utility company directly.

Get help. If you suspect identity theft, go to IdentityTheft.gov for a free, personalized recovery plan.

And if you spot a scam, tell the FTC.   www.ftc.gov/scam.

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A Free Public Service

August 20, 2024

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

STUDENT LOAN INFORMATION AVAILABLE

Attribution: ftc.gov

How to get legit information about your federal student loans:

If you have federal student loans, you probably got an email last month from Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. If so, (The email address it showed was noreply@studentaid.gov.) It has important information about your options for loan forgiveness. While that email is legit, scammers spread fake information about your student loans to try to get money or information from you.

Here’s one way to tell the difference: legitimate emails from the Department of Education will only come from one of these three email addresses:

noreply@studentaid.gov

noreply@debtrelief.studentaid.gov

ed.gov@public.govdelivery.com

Some scammers try to camouflage themselves by making their email addresses look like the real thing (say, by using the number “0” instead of the letter “O”) so look closely. If you’re not sure if an email is real or fake, call the Federal Student Aid Information Center at 1-800-433-3243 to confirm it really came from them.

Fake emails aren’t the only way student loan scammers try to get your money or personal information. Here are some other things to know:

*Scammers use official-looking names, seals, and logos to seem more legit. If you need help with your federal loans, make sure you’re working with a contracted federal student loan servicer listed on the U.S. Department of Education’s website.

*Scammers will want to get your Federal Student Aid account credentials.

*Don’t share your account username and password with anyone. If a scammer gets your account credentials, they can cut you off from your loan servicer — or even steal your identity.

*You don’t have to pay for help managing your student loans. Get free help managing your federal loans at StudentAid.gov/repay. If your loans are private, go straight to your loan servicer for help.

*Spot a student loan scammer? Report them at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

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A Free Public Service

August 14, 2024

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

LOOKING FOR A JOB SCAM  

Attribution: US FTC.gov 

You might be a spouse who’s PCS’d to a new location or a servicemember getting ready to retire — and you’re probably eyeing new career possibilities. You know where to look for a job, but do you know how to recognize the signs of a job scam?

Know that scammers advertise jobs and business opportunities online in ads, on job sites, and on social media.

Are they asking you to pay for a job? Honest employers, including the federal government, will never ask you to pay to get a job. Anyone who does is a scammer. Honest employers also will never send you a check and then tell you to send them part of the money. That’s a fake check scam.

What do you know about them? Search online for the name of the company or the person who’s hiring you, plus the words “scam,” “review,” or “complaint.” You might find out they’ve scammed other people.

Are those reviews real? Success stories and testimonials might not be true or typical. Glowing stories of success could be fake or misleading, and positive online reviews may have come from made-up profiles.

What does a trusted friend or loved one think about the offer? Take some time to talk to someone you trust about ads for jobs or business opportunity offers. And learn more at ftc.gov/jobscams.

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