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Scam Alert

The 2027 Social Security COLA Is Expected October 14, 2026 — And Medicare’s ‘Hold Harmless’ Law Won’t Protect All of It

by Steve Rhode

The 2027 COLA is expected Oct. 14, 2026. Medicare’s hold-harmless law protects Part B — but not IRMAA, Part D, or Medigap. Here’s the lever you control.

They Said I Won a Government Grant. I Just Had to Pay a Fee First

by Steve Rhode

The government does not hand out personal grants for bills or debt — and never charges a fee to release one. Here is the FTC’s own warning, verified.

They Said My Social Security Number Was Suspended for Criminal Activity

by Steve Rhode

A caller says your Social Security number is suspended for criminal activity. It cannot be, ever. Here is what the FTC and SSA say about this scam call.

The FTC Settled With Alex Mashinsky for $10 Million — But None of That Goes to Former Celsius Customers. Here’s the Real Recovery Path (and the Scam to Avoid). (July 2026)

by Steve Rhode

The FTC settled with Alex Mashinsky for $10M — but none of that reaches former Celsius customers. Your real recovery runs through the bankruptcy estate. Here’s how.

They Said It Was You on the Phone. AI Cloned Your Voice From 3 Seconds of Video.

by Steve Rhode

AI can clone your family member’s voice from a few seconds of a social media video. Here’s what the FBI documented — and the two defenses that actually work.

Circle K Data Breach Settlement: If You Worked There, Claim Up to $2,000 and Protect Your Credit

by Steve Rhode

The Gas Express / Circle K data breach settlement is for employees, not customers. How to claim by Sept 3, 2026 — and lock down your credit.

The $5.55 Million Metformin Settlement Is Open — How to File Your Claim

by Steve Rhode

Three drug companies agreed to pay $5.55 million over contaminated metformin. Claim window open now — here’s how to file before the July 10 deadline.

A Debt Relief Company Is Being Sued for Fake VA Emails — Here Are 7 Red Flags That Mean Any Company Is Cutting Corners to Find You

by Steve Rhode

A federal lawsuit alleges fake VA emails and tracking pixels. Here are 7 red flags that any debt relief company is cutting corners to find you.

Michigan Retiree Loses $1 Million to Laptop Pop-Up IRS Scam: How It Happened

by Steve Rhode

A Kalamazoo County retiree lost $1,051,000 to scammers impersonating the IRS through a laptop pop-up. His 401k, IRA, and bank accounts were drained. Learn how this scam works and how to protect yourself.

Tax Company Impostor Scams Surge: BBB Warns of Fake Firms

by Steve Rhode

The BBB warns scammers are impersonating real tax companies to pressure people into paying fake tax debts. With $4.49 billion in IRS-identified tax fraud in 2025, here are the red flags.

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Get Out of Debt Guy Podcast - Steve Rhode

Get Out of Debt Guy Podcasts

  • Should Adult Kids Pay Rent—or Are You Sacrificing Your Retirement?
  • Should You Stop Paying Credit Cards? – Why Banks Won’t Help Until You’re Behind
  • Bankruptcy Isn't Failure—It's a Financial Tool | AI, College, and the Cost of Bad Money Decisions
  • Your Debt Isn't the Problem—Your Plan Is | AI, College Costs, and Paying the Right Bills
  • AI Is Changing Work Fast: Side Hustles, Cybercabs, and Protecting Your Financial Future

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