A Free Public Service

November 6, 2024

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

PAYDAY LOAN

Attribution: US ftc.gov

With the holiday season approaching, you might be looking for extra funds to cover things like gifts and trips. But if you’re planning to borrow the money, make sure a payday loan isn’t your first — or only — choice. Sure, you might get the money fast, but the added fees and interest could make the payback really slow — or nearly impossible.

Payday loans offer quick cash for a fee to borrow the money for a short time. You walk out with the money you needed and a plan to pay it back in a few weeks. Easy, right? Not exactly. Watch this video to find out how payday loans work and why paying them back isn’t always as simple as it sounds:

The cost of taking out a payday loan racks up fast. The fees and interest alone could be in the triple digits. And if you can’t pay the loan back right away (which happens often), you might need to do a rollover — or pay extra fees to extend the loan. In the end, you’ll still owe the original loan amount and fees plus the new ones, too.

Before you get a payday loan, ask yourself: Are there any less expensive (and less risky) options to get the money? Maybe you ask for more time to pay your bills or see if you can borrow it from family or friends. Credit unions typically offer loans with lower interest rates than banks or other lenders. Check to see if a personal loan or “payday alternative loan” is a better choice. No matter what choice you make, make sure you know the real cost of any loan before you sign, and learn more about payday lending.

If you think a payday lender has been dishonest, report it to your state attorney general and the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

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A Free Public Service

November 6, 2024

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

SHRINKING PACKAGE SCAM

Attribution: US FTC.gov

If you’ve been grocery shopping lately, you might have noticed that the box, can, or bag you usually buy might feel a little lighter. Sure, sometimes brands repackage and freshen their designs — but sometimes everything is exactly as it was. Just maybe a little smaller with less inside.

Unless you have old packaging to compare to, it can be hard to know there’s been a change. Brands rarely advertise that they’re giving you less, especially if the price stayed the same (or went up). Some shoppers might feel the size or weight differences when they lift the familiar-looking packaging. Others remember that their recipe asked for a 15-ounce can…but now that can has 14.5 ounces, instead.

All packaging has to tell you how much you’re getting for your money, but it’s the unit price — usually posted on the shelf — that tells you what you’re paying per ounce, pound, or count. The unit price is one way to comparison shop on the price of things now and vote with your wallet if your usual brand feels, suddenly, very expensive.

The US Food and Drug Administration also says that labels on most food packages have to give you the serving size, which can be another clue that something has changed. Are there fewer servings in the container, or is the serving size smaller? If that familiar container now has a change to its servings, chances are there’s less inside.

Besides hitting your wallet, shrinking packaging can increase the frustration factor for many, particularly as Fall leads to a season of cooking, baking, and hosting family and friends. When you’re standing in a crowded grocery store aisle the night before a holiday or gathering, it’s hard to trust your family’s old recipe that calls for a can, bag, or box of something. Combining some up-front investigation of required recipe ingredient amounts with some unit price sleuthing can help protect your wallet…and your blood pressure. 

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A Free Public Service

November 3, 2024

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

LOW MORTGAGE INTEREST SCAMS

Attribution: US FTC.gov

Mortgage interest rates may be on the way down, but scammers’ false promises are likely on the way up. If you’re looking to lower your mortgage payment — by refinancing your home or VA loan — learn about your options and how to avoid mortgage relief scams.

Scammers will say just about anything to get you to trust them. Some scammers call or email claiming they’re from the Department of Veterans Affairs or your home loan servicer. They’ll promise to help you lower your mortgage payment — for an upfront fee or a retainer. But it’s illegal for a company to charge you before they help you with things like debt relief or improving your credit. And only scammers will tell you to cut off contact with your lender, housing counselor, or credit counselor. They might say they’ll handle any loan paperwork for you, but they’re just trying to steer you away from the real help you’re looking for.

Want to avoid a mortgage relief scam? Slow down and check things out for yourself. Always start by contacting your mortgage servicer or lender first. They’ll know the current status of your loan and can help you explore options to lower your payment. Here are a few other places to get legitimate help:

Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Your local HUD office or the housing authority in your state, city, or county can help you find a legitimate housing counseling agency nearby.

Department of Veterans Affairs (the VA). If you have a VA home loan, contact them directly to get the most accurate information about your loan terms and help you check for options to lower your payment — for free. Just make sure anyone helping you is accredited by the VA.

Visit consumerfinance.gov/housing to get information from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), HUD, and VA all in one place.

If you spot a mortgage relief scam, report it to your state attorney general and the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.                       #

A Free Public Service

November 1, 2024

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

LOW MORTGAGE INTEREST SCAMS

Attribution: US FTC.gov

Mortgage interest rates may be on the way down, but scammers’ false promises are likely on the way up. If you’re looking to lower your mortgage payment — by refinancing your home or VA loan — learn about your options and how to avoid mortgage relief scams.

Scammers will say just about anything to get you to trust them. Some scammers call or email claiming they’re from the Department of Veterans Affairs or your home loan servicer. They’ll promise to help you lower your mortgage payment — for an upfront fee or a retainer. But it’s illegal for a company to charge you before they help you with things like debt relief or improving your credit. And only scammers will tell you to cut off contact with your lender, housing counselor, or credit counselor. They might say they’ll handle any loan paperwork for you, but they’re just trying to steer you away from the real help you’re looking for.

Want to avoid a mortgage relief scam? Slow down and check things out for yourself. Always start by contacting your mortgage servicer or lender first. They’ll know the current status of your loan and can help you explore options to lower your payment. Here are a few other places to get legitimate help:

Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Your local HUD office or the housing authority in your state, city, or county can help you find a legitimate housing counseling agency nearby.

Veterans: Department of Veterans Affairs (the VA). If you have a VA home loan, contact them directly to get the most accurate information about your loan terms and help you check for options to lower your payment — for free. Just make sure anyone helping you is accredited by the VA.

Visit consumerfinance.gov/housing to get information from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), HUD, and VA all in one place.

If you spot a mortgage relief scam, report it to your state attorney general and the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.               #

A Free Public Service

October 24, 2024

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

CHARITY GIFT CARD SCAM

Attribution: US ftc.gov

You get an email from someone in your place of worship asking you to buy gift cards for a worthy cause. It might look legit, but hold on. Some scammers pretend to be pastors, rabbis, imams, or bishops to steal worshippers’ money. Learn to spot gift card scams — or your money might end up in a scammer’s collection plate.

If you get an unexpected message from legitimate looking email addresses asking you to send them money, it might be a phishing scam. Scammers use real religious leaders’ names — and sometimes even your real name — in the message to get you to trust them. They’ll say they need your help buying gift cards for a mission project or a surprise staff appreciation gift (so you don’t tell anyone) — and that you need to act quickly. They might tell you to put money on specific types of gift cards like Apple, Target, or Google Play. Then, they’ll ask you for the gift card number and PIN on the back of the cards. That’s the scam. If you do it, it’s like handing the scammer cash.

Scammers don’t want to give you time to check out what they’re saying. But don’t let anyone rush you. Slow down and take these steps:

Talk to someone. Don’t trust the name on an email address or what the message says. Contact someone from your place of worship using a phone number you know is real, never one that’s in the scammer’s email. Ask if this is a real request.

Know how scammers tell you to pay. A leader in your place of worship won’t ask you to buy gift cards and give them the numbers off the back, but a scammer will.

Learn what to do if you already paid the scammer. Contact the company that issued the gift card. Tell them it was used in a scam and ask them to refund your money. The money you paid might be gone already, but it’s always worth asking if there’s a way to get it back.

Share this advice with your congregation and community. If someone spots a gift card scam, tell them to report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

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A Free Public Service

October 10, 2024

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

GIFT CARD SCAM

Attribution: US FTC.gov

Did someone tell you to buy a gift card to pay a fine or bill? Stop. It’s a scam. No real business or government agency will ever tell you to buy a gift card to pay them. Here’s how to spot and avoid gift card scams.

Gift card scams start with a call, text, email, or social media message. The person contacting you is, they say, from the government or a company you know. (They’re not.) They say to pay right away or something terrible will happen. (It won’t.)

Scammers rush you because they don’t want you to have time to think about what they say or talk to someone you trust. The scammer will tell you which gift cards to buy and where to buy them. Sometimes, they’ll stay on the phone with you while you go to the store and load money onto the card. They want you to think they’re helping you. (They’re not.) Once you add money to the card and give scammers the gift card number, your money is gone. If you get a call like this, hang up the phone.

If you bought a gift card and gave someone the numbers off the back of the card:

Report the gift card scam to the gift card company right away. No matter how long ago the scam happened, report it. Use the How To Contact Gift Card Companies list to report it. It helps to have the gift card and store receipt handy, if possible.

Ask for your money back. Some companies are helping stop gift card scams and might give your money back. It’s worth asking.

Tell the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Your report makes a difference and helps protect your community from fraud and scams.                                   #

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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