THIS WEEK
A "charity" calls to say you won a prize
Scammers are borrowing the names of real charities, the FTC warns. A call or a social media ad says you won a sweepstakes run by a charity you support, sometimes because you donated to it before. It sounds like good news from a group you trust. That is the point.
The FTC is clear on one thing: the moment someone tells you to pay to claim a prize, it is a scam. Real prizes are free. Only scammers ask you to pay, buy something, or hand over personal information like your Social Security number to collect.
How to spot it
You are told you won a contest you do not remember entering.
You have to pay a fee, taxes or shipping, or buy something, to get your prize.
You are asked for your Social Security number or bank details to release the winnings.
Caller ID shows a real charity, company or government name. Caller ID can be faked.
The group's name sounds close to a real charity, but not quite right.
What to do
Hang up or close the ad. Never pay to collect a prize.
If you want to check, look up the charity yourself and call a number you already trust. When you search online, scroll past the paid ads at the top, since imposters buy those too.
Talk to someone you trust before you act, then report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
MONEY THIS WEEK
HealthCare.gov open enrollment runs Nov. 1 to Jan. 15
Open enrollment for 2027 coverage through HealthCare.gov began November 1, 2026, and runs through January 15, 2027. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services says more than 75% of people who buy through HealthCare.gov will have access to premiums at or below $50 in 2027, and that people have about 100 plans to choose from on average.
What to do: If you or a family member buys coverage through HealthCare.gov, compare your current plan with the 2027 options and make your choice before January 15, 2027.
LIVING WELL
How continuing care communities work
A continuing care retirement community, also called a life plan community, offers independent living, assisted living and nursing care on one campus. Most charge an entrance fee plus a monthly fee. Contracts differ in how much future care is included in the price and how much of the entrance fee is refundable.
Ask what future care the price includes and how much of the entrance fee is refundable.
Ask for the community's audited financial statements.
Have a lawyer or financial adviser who works for you read the contract before you sign.
ALSO THIS WEEK
Health insurance ads can mislead during open enrollment
The FTC says some ads and phone pitches promise full coverage but offer limited benefits, sell medical discount cards instead of insurance, or pose as the government or a known insurer. Prerecorded robocalls selling health insurance are illegal, so start at HealthCare.gov or call the Marketplace Call Center at 1-800-318-2596.
FREE FOR YOUR FAMILY
The Family Scam Defense Kit
A short, free guide with the warning signs to watch for and what to say when a call or text feels off. Print it for the fridge or send it to a parent.
Got a link, text or photo you are not sure about? Check it with SAM's Scam Detector.
Know someone who should get these alerts? Send them this link to sign up.
Think it's a scam? Ask SAM
Hang up or set it aside first. Then talk it through with SAM before you do anything.