The grant wants a fee.

Ad: “FEMA disaster grant / hurricane relief check is ready — pay an application / inspection / processing fee or give bank info so we can deposit the federal money.” FTC FEMA impersonators (July 14, 2025): FEMA doesn’t charge for disaster assistance; employees will never ask for money for inspections, disaster assistance, debris removal, grants, help with applications, or appeals; inspectors will not ask for banking information; anyone who says they work for FEMA but asks for money or financial information is a scammer. FTC weather-emergencies article: if someone wants money to help you qualify for FEMA funds, it’s a scam. FTC National Preparedness Month (Sep 9, 2026) flags post-emergency government / charity / contractor impersonators. Leave grant dollars blank — aid is case-specific, not a universal household check.

Ad: “You qualify for a free government grant for bills / home repairs / education / personal expenses — pay a processing fee / give SSN or bank info to claim it.” FTC (Mar 5, 2026): fake grant scams contact you out of the blue; claim money for personal needs; ask for SSN or bank info; demand processing fees paid by cash, gift cards, wire, or crypto. Real grants are typically for organizations that applied for a specific purpose; agencies will not contact you about a grant you didn’t apply for; grants are not awarded for personal needs; agencies will not demand payment to get a grant. Distinct from Issue 5 LIHEAP fee pitches.

Ad: “HealthCare.gov / Marketplace Open Enrollment is open — enroll now for 2027 / pay a fee to lock your plan / this sponsored site is the official enrollment page.” Healthcare.gov: Open Enrollment for 2027 coverage starts November 1; Marketplace OE is November 1 – January 15 each year. On Sep 14, 2026 that window has not opened. FTC (Dec 12, 2025): signing up through the Marketplace is free; don’t pay anyone who demands cash, crypto, or card numbers to get or keep coverage; use HealthCare.gov or 1-800-318-2596. FTC (June 9, 2026): paid search ads can impersonate HealthCare.gov — look for “Ad,” prefer .gov URLs, scroll past sponsored lookalikes. Distinct from Issue 4 Medicare AEP.

Ad: “Buy this truck before year-end — Section 179 makes it free / full write-off of any SUV / no vehicle cap.” IRS Publication 946 (What’s New for 2026): maximum section 179 expense deduction for tax years beginning in 2026 is $2,560,000; reduced when section 179 property placed in service exceeds $4,090,000; sport utility vehicle section 179 maximum for 2026 is $32,000. Same figures in Rev. Proc. 2025-32. Section 179 is a business expensing election / deduction, not a rebate or “free truck” check. Ads that erase the SUV limit or sell a consumer rebate oversell. Issue 1 named the program Alive; Issue 9 tags the oversell.

Ad: “Pay a FAFSA filing fee / give us your StudentAid.gov username and password — we’ll unlock your aid before the deadline.” StudentAid.gov FAFSA steps (2026–27 process): completing and submitting the FAFSA form is free; start at fafsa.gov. StudentAid.gov scam guidance: the Department and partners will never ask for your StudentAid.gov username or password. Distinct from Issue 5 forgiveness-fee pitches — this row is FAFSA filing / password harvest.

Ad: “Same COVID enhanced Marketplace subsidy / premium tax credit still cuts your 2027 plan the same — enroll early to lock it.” Healthcare.gov: the additional savings available because of the COVID pandemic ended on December 31, 2025; if you qualify for savings in 2026, you’ll likely pay more for your Marketplace plan premium — update your application and compare plans. Ads that sell “same enhanced COVID cut for 2027” as if those temporary additional savings still apply are stale. Leave household premium dollars blank unless Healthcare.gov states them.