The prize wants your deposit.

Ad: “You won a prize / contest / sweepstakes — switch your Social Security direct deposit to this prepaid card / other account so we can send the award.” SSA OIG (Sep 9, 2026): if someone ties a prize to changing Social Security direct deposit, it’s a scam; it can cut off benefit payments and expose the bank account; no legitimate contest requires redirecting a federal benefit payment; SSA will never offer to increase benefits in exchange for information or a fee. Review deposit settings yourself at my Social Security. Report at ssa.gov/scam and ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

Ad: “Install solar / battery storage now — same 30% Residential Clean Energy Credit still applies in 2026 / through 2032.” IRS Residential Clean Energy Credit: credit equals 30% of qualified clean energy property installed from 2022 through December 31, 2025; the credit is not available for any property placed in service after December 31, 2025. 2026 Form 5695 instructions (draft, Aug 27, 2026): you can’t claim residential clean energy credits for expenditures made after December 31, 2025; 2026 Form 5695 is for carryforward of unused 2025 credit only. Leave install dollars blank unless the IRS states them for your year.

Ad: “Buy windows / insulation / heat pump this fall — Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit still refunds 30% / up to $3,200 in 2026.” IRS Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit: claim for improvements made through December 31, 2025; credit allowed for qualifying property placed in service on or after Jan. 1, 2023, and before December 31, 2025. Same Form 5695 2026 instructions: you can’t claim energy efficient home improvement credits for expenditures or property placed in service after December 31, 2025. Distinct from Issue 8/9 energy deadline rows — this is the residential Form 5695 credits for new 2026 installs.

Ad: “Your tax refund is approved / processed — click this link to verify identity / enter SSN and bank so we can send the money.” FTC (Jan 22, 2026): texts/emails that look like IRS or state tax offices and ask you to click a link to enter SSN / bank are phishing; real IRS and state tax offices won’t reach out by text, email, or social to get your information; check refund status via USA.gov guidance, not the message link; report junk / forward texts to 7726; tell FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

Ad: “Federal HOMES / High-Efficiency Electric Home Rebate is live nationwide — claim $8,000 / $14,000 instantly / we process any ZIP.” DOE Home Energy Rebates: HOMES can save up to $8,000* on eligible whole-home upgrades (modeled savings pathway); HEEHR can save up to $14,000 on efficient electric upgrades; Program Status: rebates are now available in select states — contact your State or Territory Energy Office for status and eligibility. Ads that sell a single national instant check without a launched state program oversell. Leave household rebate dollars blank unless your state program states them.

Ad: “SAVE plan enrollment still open — switch today / pay a fee for instant / full student-loan forgiveness under SAVE.” MOHELA (StudentAid.gov servicer) SAVE FAQ: on March 10, 2026, a court order ended the SAVE Plan; borrowers enrolled in or with pending SAVE applications must select a new repayment plan once notified; notices are going out in waves (July–October 2026 on MOHELA’s page). Servicer help switching plans is free. StudentAid.gov scam guidance: forgiveness programs are free; ED and partners will never ask for your StudentAid.gov username or password; aggressive “act immediately / complete discharge / first come first served” language is a red flag. Distinct from Issue 5/9 FAFSA fee pitches — this row is post-court SAVE enroll / instant-forgiveness ads.