A Free Public Service

January 31, 2026

Atribution: US FTC.gov

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

You may get a text message, supposedly following up on a $10,000 loan application. Only, you never applied for a loan. Is this pure luck or a scam? Before you use the callback number in the message to find out, or even reply “NO” to cancel the application, learn to spot a fake loan text scam.

Scammers use unexpected text messages to catch you off guard. Maybe the text says you’re preapproved for a large loan amount (not true). Or the company says it needs your Social Security or bank account number to finish the “application” (also not true!). Scammers hope that, if it seems like the process is already in motion, you’ll reply now and think later. They might say something like “This is the last step” or “Just reply YES to confirm you still want to claim the loan.” But none of that’s true, either. It’s just a phishing scam. If you respond, you might end up giving a scammer exactly what they want — your personal information, which could lead to identity theft.

If you get a text about a loan you didn’t apply for, here’s how to handle it:

• Don’t reply or click links. It could lead to a scam.
• Insteatead, talk to someone you trust. Taking the time to talk about it with someone you trust could help you spot the scam.
• Delete unwanted texts using your phone’s “report junk” option, or forward them to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

If you think a scammer already has your personal information, go to IdentityTheft.gov for specific steps to take based on the information you may have lost.

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A Free Public Service

Attribution: US ftc.gov

January 16, 2025

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

If you’re looking to get insurance from the Health Insurance Marketplace, you have until January 15^th to sign up. But dishonest companies sometimes advertise comprehensive health insurance when it’s really a medical discount plan or a health plan with limited insurance benefits. And, sometimes, an insurance “offer” is just a scam. As you compare your options, here are some things to consider:

• Know some warning signs. If ads for the so-called insurance focus on free stuff you’d get if you sign up — like money for groceries — and downplay the coverage, take a much closer look to really understand what you’d be getting.
• Don’t pay for help enrolling. It’s free to sign up through the Health Insurance Marketplace. And don’t pay anyone who says you have to give them cash, cryptocurrency, or your credit or debit card numbers to get or keep your health coverage. No matter who they say they are.
• Compare and sign up at the source. Go to HealthCare.gov or call the Marketplace Call Center (1-800-318-2596) to get help or sign up.

You can also get free help from professionals:

• Assisters, organizations and individuals in your community, give free, independent advice, answer questions, and help you apply for and enroll in any Marketplace health plan. They can also help you apply for free or low-cost Medicaid or Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) coverage.
• Agents/brokers can answer questions and help you apply and enroll in the Marketplace health plans they sell, which may not be all the plans available to you. Insurance companies pay them when they sell their plans. Agents and brokers can also refer you to get help for Medicaid or CHIP coverage.

Time is of the essence: sign up by December 15 for coverage starting January 1. Open season ends on January 15 for coverage starting February 1.

Spot a scammy healthcare ad? Tell the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. 

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January 10, 2026

Attribution: FTC.gov

A Free Public Service

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

If there’s information on your credit report that’s correct but not so great, it can make it harder to get credit with good terms. But there are things you can do yourself for free to help fix your credit. Credit repair companies also charge to do the same things. Before you consider paying, though, know the rules these companies have to follow — rules dishonest companies and scammers often break.

Before they do any work for you, credit repair companies have to write up a detailed contract that explains your legal rights (like your three-day right to cancel without any charge) and the total cost of their services. It’s illegal for credit repair companies to lie about what they can do for you, charge you before they help you, or ask you to lie on credit applications. Credit repair companies also can’t legally remove negative information from your credit report that’s correct and up to date.

Here are some ways to help fix your credit:

Find real help. Your local credit union, university, or military personal financial manager might be able to recommend a non-profit credit counseling program that can help.Spot the scams when fixing your credit.

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January 7, 2026

Attribution: US FTC.gov

A free Public Service

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

If you’re taking stock of your finances, setting goals, and preparing for a fresh start in 2026, make protecting yourself against identity theft part of your 2026 planning. Why? Identity thieves can drain your bank account, ruin your credit, and even block access to your health benefits and tax refund. On the bright side, there are ways to protect yourself. Identity Theft Awareness Week (IDTAW) is a great opportunity to learn more about getting started.

IDTAW runs from January 26-30 this year. During the week, the FTC and its partners are organizing free webinars, hosting podcasts, Facebook Live interviews, and other events to help you and people you know test your identity theft knowledge, take steps that make it harder for identity pirates to get their hands on your information, and find the tools to recover if identity theft happens to you.

But don’t wait for IDTAW! Here’s what you can do now:

• Get and share free resources at ftc.gov/IDTheftWeek to help build awareness about identity theft and how it can happen to anyone.
• Bookmark the IDTAW page and check for updates. Free events will be posted there.
• Watch and share FTC videos on identity theft to learn more about identity theft and help your community protect against it.
• If identity theft has happened to you or someone you know, go to IdentityTheft.gov to report it and get a personalized recovery plan.
• Learn more about identity theft at ftc.gov/IDTheft.
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SCAMS BULLETIN HOST Jay White is an inactive attorney in San Mateo County County, California, USA.

A Free Public Service

December 22, 2025

Attribution: US FTC.gov

HEALTH INSURANCE SCAMS

If you’re looking to get insurance from the Health Insurance Marketplace, you may have until January 15^th to sign up. But dishonest companies sometimes advertise comprehensive health insurance when it’s really a medical discount plan or a health plan with limited insurance benefits. And, sometimes, an insurance “offer” is just a scam. As you compare your options, here are some things to consider:

• Know some warning signs. If ads for the so-called insurance focus on free stuff you’d get if you sign up — like money for groceries — and downplay the coverage, take a much closer look to really understand what you’d be getting.
• Don’t pay for help enrolling. It’s free to sign up through the Health Insurance Marketplace. And don’t pay anyone who says you have to give them cash, cryptocurrency, or your credit or debit card numbers to get or keep your health coverage. No matter who they say they are.
• Compare and sign up at the source. Go to HealthCare.gov or call the Marketplace Call Center (1-800-318-2596) to get help or sign up.
• Spot a scammy healthcare ad? Tell the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. 

You can also get free help from professionals:

• Assisters, organizations and individuals in your community, give free, independent advice, answer questions, and help you apply for and enroll in any Marketplace health plan. They can also help you apply for free or low-cost Medicaid or Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) coverage.
• Agents/brokers can answer questions and help you apply and enroll in the Marketplace health plans they sell, which may not be all the plans available to you. Insurance companies pay them when they sell their plans. Agents and brokers can also refer you to get help for Medicaid or CHIP coverage.

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A Free Public Service

December 17, 2025

Attribution: US FTC.gov

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

We’re hearing from people who’ve been approached outside a military bank like USAA or Navy Federal. Someone stops them and says they’re in a tough situation, can’t access their bank accounts, and need money for groceries. Sometimes they even have a crying child with them. They’ll ask you to send them a few bucks using the bank’s mobile app.

But once you open the app, the scammer reaches for your phone. You think they’re entering their phone number or email address to complete the transfer from that one account. But instead, the scammer is taking money from your other accounts, too. Some reports say the scammer distracts you with questions about your travel plans…while they apply for instant bank loans in your name and use other payment apps to transfer your money to their accounts.

To avoid this scam:

• Never hand over your phone to someone you don’t know. That’s a sign of a scam. Also, your bank may not reverse fraudulent transactions since it looks like you initiated them.
• Slow down. Scammers pressure you to act immediately. Taking a moment to think will often help you spot the scam.

Share this advice with your military loved ones this holiday season. And if you spot a scam like this one, tell your local police and your state attorney general. Then, tell the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

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A Free Public Service

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

December 11, 2025

Attribution: US FTC..gov

CHARITY SCAMS

Chances are, you’re probably already hearing from charities about Giving Tuesday. It’s a great time to support the work of charities around the country. Unfortunately, not everyone asking for money is a real charity. As the year comes to a close, you’ll likely get calls, texts, and emails asking for donations. Here’s how to make sure your money goes to real causes that matter to you instead of to a scammer.

• Confirm the charity is legit. Make sure you have the charity’s exact name and then do some research. Some dishonest telemarketers will use names that sound like well-known charities to confuse you, so here are some places to start:
  • BBB Wise Giving Alliance and Charity Watch offer reports and ratings on how charities spend donations and run as organizations.
  • Your state charity regulator can tell you if a charity is registered with them, which is a requirement in most states.
• Check that your donation is really going to the programs you want to help. Call the charity directly and ask how much of your donation will go to the programs you care about. You may also be able to get this information from the charity’s website.
• Consider how you pay. The safest way to donate is by credit card or check. If someone says the only way to pay is with cryptocurrency, a payment app, gift card, or by wiring money, it’s likely a scam, not a real charity.
• Double-check links. Pay attention to who’s asking and who’s getting the money —even if it’s something a friend posts on social media. If you’re sent to a crowdfunding page, money will go directly to the organizer…who might not be closely tied to the cause you want to support.

Spot a fake charity? Tell the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. 

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A Free Public Service

October 20, 2025

Attribution: California.gov

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

CHARITY SCAMS

 Always check the legitimacy of a charity by looking for reviews, ratings, and their registration status with relevant authorities.

• Be Wary of High-Pressure Tactics: Scammers often create a sense of urgency. Take your time to verify before donating.
• Use Official Channels: Donate directly through official charity websites rather than through links sent via email or social media.
• Trust Your Instincts: If something feels off, it’s better to err on the side of caution and refrain from 
• donating.
  By staying informed and vigilant, you can help ensure that your charitable contributions reach those in genuine need and avoid falling victim to scams.
• If a communication appears suspect, you can report it to the US Federal Trade Commission FTC.gov/fraud.
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October 16, 2025

A Free Public Service

Attribution: California Gov.

SCAMSBULLETIN Host Jay White is an inacvtive attorney in San Mateo County, USA.

EMPLOYMENT SCAMS

Every source contacted for this article — from the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to the Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC) — reported a rise in employment scams.

In some cases, the goal is simply to gain your personal information. You’re told you got the job, so you fill out paperwork that includes your Social Security number and your bank account info for direct deposit.

More elaborate scams can involve bogus payments. Some scams, for example, ask would-be employees to pay for training or useless certifications. Others pay new staffers a bonus (with a check that will eventually bounce), then ask for money back due to “overpayment,” the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reports. Scammers might also request money to cover shipment costs for job-related equipment.

How to stay safe: Remember that just because ads appear on reputable platforms such as LinkedIn and indeed, it doesn’t mean they’re genuine.

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