Showing posts with label alert. Show all posts
Showing posts with label alert. Show all posts

Saturday, July 27, 2019

Equifax Data Breach Settlement: How to Claim Your Benefits




Consumer Alerts from the Federal Trade Commission
by Alvaro Puig, Consumer Education Specialist, FTC

Earlier this week, we told you that roughly half the people in the country can get benefits under a settlement that the FTC and others reached with Equifax. Now, you can now find out if you were affected by the September 2017 breach and make your claim for benefits.

Read more
https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2019/07/equifax-data-breach-settlement-how-claim-your-benefits?utm_source=govdelivery 

This is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission.



If you were part of the unlucky group affected by the data breech as I was, then confirm that you were via this link  ftc.gov/Equifax

confirm that you were part of the Equifax breech via this link  ftc.gov/equifax
confirm that you were part of the Equifax breech via this link  ftc.gov/equifax
Once confirmed, you can also file a claim. The instructions are clear and the website easy to use. I filed my claim this morning
 
https://www.equifaxbreachsettlement.com/file-a-claim
https://www.equifaxbreachsettlement.com/file-a-claim
 

Thursday, July 25, 2019

What the FTC Facebook settlement means for consumers




What the FTC Facebook settlement means for consumers

by Lesley Fair, Attorney, Division of Consumer & Business Education, FTC
The next time users visit Facebook, things might not look different, but big changes are brewing behind the scenes. The FTC's record-breaking $5 billion settlement requires Facebook to conduct a massive overhaul of its consumer privacy practices. The settlement also makes major changes to Facebook's operations and CEO Mark Zuckerberg no longer has sole control over privacy.

Read More

https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2019/07/what-ftc-facebook-settlement-means-consumers?utm_source=govdelivery

This is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission.


Saturday, July 20, 2019

FTC Consumer Alert: Medicare does not give out DNA kits




Medicare does not give out DNA kits
by Lisa Lake,  Consumer Education Specialist, FTC

Here's one that goes to show just how creative scammers can be. The FTC is getting reports that callers claiming to be from Medicare are asking people for their Medicare numbers, Social Security numbers, and other personal information…in exchange for DNA testing kits. 

The callers might say the test is a free way to get early diagnoses for diseases like cancer, or just that it's a free test, so why not take it? But the truth is, Medicare does not market DNA testing kits to the general public.

Read more 
https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2019/07/medicare-does-not-give-out-dna-kits?utm_source=govdelivery 


This is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission.


Saturday, July 13, 2019

FTC shuts down student loan debt relief scheme




FTC shuts down student loan debt relief scheme
by Colleen Tressler, Consumer Education Specialist, FTC

It's a staggering number. More than 42 million Americans owe a total of nearly $1.5 trillion in student loan debt. It's no wonder people look for help. But not all help is legit. Scammers are targeting borrowers with student loan debt relief schemes that can actually make things worse.

Read more
https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2019/07/ftc-shuts-down-student-loan-debt-relief-scheme?utm_source=govdelivery


This is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission.


Thursday, July 11, 2019

FTC Consumer Alert: Outlet shopping - The deal is in the details




FTC Consumer Alert: Outlet shopping - The deal is in the details
by Colleen Tressler, Consumer Education Specialist, FTC

For many of us, it just wouldn't be a summer beach vacation without shopping at the local outlet mall. Over the years, we've picked up a few tips for outlet shopping.

Read more 
https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2019/07/outlet-shopping-deal-details?utm_source=govdelivery
 


This is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission.


Tuesday, June 18, 2019

FTC Alert: Put the brakes on phony online car sales




FTC Alert: Put the brakes on phony online car sales
by Colleen Tressler, Consumer Education Specialist, FTC

You can buy practically anything online, including used cars. But before you shell out any hard-earned cash, here's a warning about scammers trying to sell cars they don't have or own.

Read more
https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2019/06/put-brakes-phony-online-car-sales?utm_source=govdelivery

This is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission.

Sunday, June 16, 2019

Franklin (MA) Police: Stranger Encounter on Oak Street

On June 14, 2019 the Franklin Police were alerted to suspicious activity involving a juvenile student of the Benjamin Franklin Classical Charter School. The juvenile reported that while walking on Oak Street, a male party in a vehicle approached her and motioned for her to come to the vehicle.

Thankfully in this incident a neighbor recognized the situation, and called the juvenile over to her. The child was not harmed in any way.

Over the last few weeks there have been reports in Franklin, and area communities of similar type occurrences. At this time we cannot say with any degree of certainty that these incidents are related other than they all involve school age children. Descriptions of suspects and vehicles are not consistent.

The Franklin Police are actively investigating these incidents. We encourage all parents to talk to their children about what to do if approached by strangers, and to practice safe strategies such as always having a friend with them, or moving with groups of people who they know.

At this time we are not issuing any alert for a specific vehicle or suspect. This message is just to alert the community of these incidents, and to remind parents and children to have a plan about what to do in the event they are approached by a stranger.

This was shared from the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinma.gov/police-department/news/media-release-stranger-encounter-oak-street

Franklin Police - 911 Panther Way, Franklin
Franklin Police - 911 Panther Way, Franklin

Friday, May 31, 2019

Hurricane season starts June 1. Are you ready?




Hurricane season starts June 1. Are you ready?
by Colleen Tressler
Consumer Education Specialist, FTC


June 1 is the official start of hurricane season, and a great time to make a plan to deal with weather emergencies. Extreme weather events, like hurricanes and other natural disasters, can occur with little warning, and the effects come in many forms. Hurricanes may include heavy rainfall, high winds, storm surge, inland flooding, tornadoes, and rip currents. 

Are you ready to leave your home at a moment's notice? The FTC's site, Dealing with Weather Emergencies, has practical tips to help you prepare for, deal with, and recover from a weather emergency.

Read more
https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2019/05/hurricane-season-starts-june-1-are-you-ready?utm_campaign=weather-emergencies&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery


This is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission.



Thursday, January 31, 2019

FTC Alerts: Fight back against tax identity theft




FTC Alerts: Fight back against tax identity theft
by Seena Gressin
Attorney, Division of Consumer & Business Education, FTC


It's Tax Identity Theft Awareness Week – a terrific time to get up to date on protecting yourself from identity thieves who try to claim your tax refund and imposters who pretend they're from the IRS to get your money. 

Come to one of the two telephone town hall meetings happening on Thursday, January 31 – one at 10 a.m. ET and another at 1 p.m. ET.

Read more
https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2019/01/fight-back-against-tax-identity-theft?utm_source=govdelivery



This is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission.


Thursday, December 27, 2018

FTC Consumer Alert: Netflix phishing scam: Don’t take the bait




Netflix phishing scam: Don't take the bait
by Colleen Tressler
Consumer Education Specialist, FTC


Phishing is when someone uses fake emails or texts to get you to share valuable personal information – like account numbers, Social Security numbers, or your login IDs and passwords. Scammers use your information to steal your money, your identity, or both. They also use phishing emails to get access to your computer or network. If you click on a link, they can install ransomware or other programs that can lock you out of your data.

Read more
https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2018/12/netflix-phishing-scam-dont-take-bait?utm_source=govdelivery


This is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission.


Wednesday, December 5, 2018

Consumer Alerts: The Marriott data breach




Consumer Alerts: The Marriott data breach
by Seena Gressin
Attorney, Division of Consumer and Business Education, FTC


Marriott International says that a breach of its Starwood guest reservation database exposed the personal information of up to 500 million people. If your information was exposed, there are steps you can take to help guard against its misuse.

Read more 
https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2018/12/marriott-data-breach?utm_source=govdelivery

This is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission.

Friday, October 26, 2018

FTC Consumer Alert: Immigration help – watch your step




FTC Consumer Alert: Immigration help – watch your step
by Lisa Weintraub Schifferle
Attorney, FTC, Division of Consumer & Business Education

If you're looking for immigration help, you might run across what look like government websites – but are actually from companies pretending to be part of the U.S. government. The FTC's recent settlement  has some lessons on how to protect yourself. 

Read more 
https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2018/10/immigration-help-watch-your-step?utm_source=govdelivery

This is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission.

Tuesday, October 2, 2018

"a nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System and the Wireless Emergency Arts on Wednesday, Oct. 3" at 2:18 PM

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"The Federal Emergency Management Agency, FEMA, and the Federal Communications Commission, FCC, will conduct a nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System and the Wireless Emergency Arts on Wednesday, Oct. 3. 
The Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) portion of the test will be sent to virtually all consumer cellular phones in the U.S. beginning at 2:18 p.m. The Emergency Alert System (EAS) test will follow on all television and radio stations at 2:20 p.m. This is the first time the federal government has tested the WEA. 
The WEA test message will appear on mobile phones and will read, “THIS IS A TEST of the National Wireless Emergency Alert System. No action is needed.” Phones will display this national test using the header “Presidential Alert.” These nationwide alerts, established pursuant to the WARN Act of 2006, are meant for use in a national emergency and are the only type of alert that can be sent simultaneously nationwide by FEMA. Each phone should receive the message only once."
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20181002/emergency-alert-system-to-be-tested-wednesday-afternoon

a nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System and the Wireless Emergency Arts on Wednesday, Oct. 3" at 2:18 PM
a nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System and the
Wireless Emergency Arts on Wednesday, Oct. 3" at 2:18 PM


The FEMA fact sheet for the test Oct 3, 2:18 PM
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1mY91JscTTqFIt2fSYickfot_qGFgql9Y/view?usp=sharing


Saturday, September 29, 2018

FTC Consumer Alerts: Managing someone else’s money - New protection from ID theft and fraud




Consumer Alerts from the Federal Trade Commission
by Lois Greisman, Federal Trade Commission, Elder Justice Coordinator
Stacy Canan, Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection, Assistant Director, Office of Financial Protection for Older Americans


If you manage someone else's money, protecting your loved one from financial exploitation and scams is among your important responsibilities. Starting September 21st, 2018, a new federal law lets some financial caregivers request a security freeze, also called a credit freeze, on their loved one's behalf. Taking this step can help protect them from identity theft and fraud.

Read more
https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2018/09/managing-someone-elses-money-new-protection-id-theft-and-fraud-0?utm_source=govdelivery

This is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission.

Sunday, September 23, 2018

FTC Consumer Alerts: Free credit freezes are here




Consumer Alerts from the Federal Trade Commission
by Andrew Smith, Federal Trade Commission, Director, Bureau of Consumer Protection
Gail Hillebrand, Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection, Associate Director, Division of Consumer Education and Engagement


Free credit freezes and year-long fraud alerts are here, starting September 21, thanks to a new federal law. 

Here's what you should know:
https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2018/09/free-credit-freezes-are-here?utm_source=govdelivery


This is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission.

Wednesday, September 12, 2018

Franklin Residents: Public Health Alert - West Nile Virus risk level raised to moderate

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health has elevated the risk level for West Nile Virus from low to moderate for the entire State of Massachusetts. To date there have been 10 human cases of West Nile Virus in Massachusetts.

The weather conditions are predicted to remain favorable for the mosquitoes that carry the West Nile Virus for at least the next several weeks. As such it is imperative for all individuals in Massachusetts to take personal precautions to avoid mosquito bites.

Apply Insect Repellent When Outdoors: Use a repellent with DEET, Permethrin, picardin or oil of lemon eucalyptus according to the instructions on the product labels. Remember not to use products with DEET on infants under two months of age. DEET products in concentrations above 30% should not be used on older children. Oil of eucalyptus should not be used on children under three years of age.

Be Aware of Peak Mosquito Hours: Mosquitos are most active between the hours from dusk to dawn. Limit your exposure out of doors during this peak biting time if possible. If you must be outside, wearing long-sleeves, long pants and socks will help keep mosquitos away from your skin.

Drain Standing Water on Your Property: Mosquitos lay their eggs in standing or stagnant water. Drain birdbaths, flower pots, buckets and children's wading pools frequently.

Additional public health advisories/alerts regarding WNV and/or EEE will be provided by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and the Franklin Health Department as the situation warrants.

More information on mosquito-borne viruses can be found at the MADPH Arbovirus Surveillance Information web page at www.mass.gov/dph/mosquito

Public Health Alert - West Nile Virus risk level raised to moderate
Public Health Alert - West Nile Virus risk level raised to moderate

Sunday, September 9, 2018

FTC Consumer Alerts: It’s National Preparedness Month - Time to Make a Plan




Consumer Alerts from the Federal Trade Commission
by Colleen Tressler
Consumer Education Specialist, FTC

Extreme weather and natural disasters can occur with little warning. This year's floods and wildfires are proof of that. Are you ready to leave your home at a moment's notice? 

You can reduce your anxiety about these scary events by making sure you are prepared if and when they happen. September is National Preparedness Month and a good time to get your family, pets, and property ready.

You can, for example: Read more
https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2018/09/its-national-preparedness-month-make-plan?utm_source=govdelivery

This is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission.

This email was sent to shersteve@gmail.com using GovDelivery Communications Cloud on behalf of: FTC Consumer Alerts · 600 Pennsylvania Ave., NW · Washington, DC 20580 · 1-877-382-4357


Wednesday, August 29, 2018

FTC Consumer Alerts: Let's talk about cyberbullying



Consumer Alerts from the Federal Trade Commission
by Ari Lazarus
Consumer Education Specialist, FTC


Last week, the FTC joined several other agencies and the First Lady for an important conversation about cyberbullying.

Cyberbullying is a tough subject for both parents and educators. That's why most of our materials are built around having conversations, in small doses, and in your own language.

Here are some easy ways to start these conversations:
Read more   https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2018/08/lets-talk-about-cyberbullying?utm_source=govdelivery

This is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission.


Tuesday, August 21, 2018

FTC Alerts: Back to school - Protect your child’s information



Consumer Alerts from the Federal Trade Commission
by Colleen Tressler
Consumer Education Specialist, FTC


Many school forms require personal and sensitive information. Here are some tips for keeping your child's personal information safe — from pre-school through college.

Read more
https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2018/08/back-school-protect-your-childs-information?utm_source=govdelivery



This is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission.

Friday, August 17, 2018

MBTA Notice: T-Alerts Account Transition - old alerts turned off at end of August

Dear T-Alerts Subscriber,

We recently rebuilt our T-Alerts system from the ground up to make it easier to sign up for alerts relevant to your trips.

And, after a testing phase, we're ready to roll it out to everyone. As part of this process, we need to turn off the old T-Alerts system at the end of August—which means you'll stop receiving any alerts you signed up for with this system.

To continue receiving service alerts, you will need to sign up for T-Alerts Beta.

Learn more about T-Alerts Beta  https://mbta.com/about-t-alerts-beta

Sign up for T-Alerts Beta  
https://beta.alerts.mbta.com/?utm_source=govdelivery&utm_campaign=email

If you've already signed up for T-Alerts Beta, that's great! You don't need to do anything else right now.

Note: Signing up for a T-Alerts Beta will not automatically delete your previous T-Alerts account. To prevent duplicate alert notices, you may want to delete your account now.

Sent by the MBTA
MBTA Notice: T-Alerts Account Transition Franklin Line 

MBTA Notice: T-Alerts Account Transition - old alerts turned off at end of August
MBTA Notice: T-Alerts Account Transition - old alerts turned off at end of August