Don’t let scammers get in the way of your holiday shopping

Don't let scammers get in the way of your holiday shopping By Gema de las Heras As the holiday season approaches, it seems like there are more and more fake shopping sites. The ads on social media show expensive products like electric scooters, designer bags, and other popular toys and gifts at unbelievably low prices.  Many of these bogus sites use photos and logos the scammers steal from legitimate businesses, but they won't send you authentic products. If you're wondering how to avoid these phony offers, there are a few ways to help you detect them. Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2024/11/dont-let-scammers-get-way-your-holiday-shopping?

Don’t let scammers get in the way of your holiday shopping

The case of the shrinking packaging

The case of the shrinking packaging By Jennifer Leach If you've been grocery shopping lately, you might have noticed that the box, can, or bag you usually buy might feel a little lighter. Sure, sometimes brands repackage and freshen their designs — but sometimes everything is exactly as it was. Just maybe a little smaller with less inside. Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2024/10/case-shrinking-packaging?

Marriott data breach settlement: What it means for consumers

Marriott data breach settlement: What it means for consumers By Alvaro Puig Marriott settled charges related to a data breach that exposed the information of millions of guests.  The company will take steps to better protect customers' personal information.  And it will give customers more control over their information. Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2024/10/marriott-data-breach-settlement-what-it-means-consumers?

Marriott data breach settlement: What it means for consumers

 

Unexpected messages on social media about investing are almost always scams

Unexpected messages on social media about investing are almost always scams By Andrew Rayo With so many people on social media, it's no surprise that scammers are there, too. A scammer might, for example, send you a message on Facebook, LinkedIn, or WhatsApp offering a chance to invest in cryptocurrency.  But there's no investment opportunity — just a scammer trying to take your money. Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2024/06/unexpected-messages-social-media-about-investing-are-almost-always-scams

Unexpected messages on social media about investing are almost always scams

 

What issues do renters face?

What issues do renters face? By Anna Burns When you want to know what's happening in housing, you go to the experts. That's why the FTC joined renters, renters' advocates, and researchers in Atlanta to hear about issues affecting renters.  They told us that the rise of institutional investors and corporate landlords since the financial crisis has contributed to rising rents, hidden junk fees, issues with online portals, and predatory lease-to-own schemes.  Here are some takeaways from housing advocates and renters. Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2024/06/what-issues-do-renters-face?

What issues do renters face?

 

Town of Franklin: 2023 Drinking Water Quality Report available

Dear Franklin Water User,
 
The 2023 Drinking Water Quality Report is now available on the website, and will be in your mailbox in the next couple of weeks. To view now, visit: https://www.franklinma.gov/2023-ccr
 
Thanks for caring about your water use and being a WaterSmart user,

Doug Martin
Franklin Water & Sewer Department

 

 

equipment at the Grove St water treatment plant

 

No one is using your Social Security number to commit crimes. It’s a scam.

No one is using your Social Security number to commit crimes. It's a scam By Alvaro Puig The phone rings. Your caller ID says it's the Social Security Administration. You hesitate.  You're not expecting a call from them, and you've heard about impersonation scams. But something inside you makes you pick up. And everything you're about to hear is designed to scare you into doing whatever the caller says. Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2024/05/no-one-using-your-social-security-number-commit-crimes-its-scam

No one is using your Social Security number to commit crimes. It’s a scam

Pay your bills, not impersonators

Pay your bills, not impersonators By Andrew Rayo If you're paying a medical, utility, or other bill online, you probably expect to wind up on the that company's website. What might you not expect?  An impersonator tricking you into paying them instead. But that's what the FTC says a company called Doxo did.  Here's what you need to know.  Read more ->   https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2024/04/pay-your-bills-not-impersonators Pay your bills, not impersonators

Did a celebrity really endorse THAT? Maybe not

Did a celebrity really endorse THAT? Maybe not By Jim Kreidler Before you spend money on that celebrity-endorsed premium cookware, weight loss product, or can't-miss money-making opportunity, pause. Take a breath. Are you sure a celebrity or influencer is really endorsing that product or program?  Maybe a scammer is behind that online ad. Scammers are using fake celebrity and influencer testimonials and endorsements — complete with doctored video and audio that seems like the real thing — to generate buzz and profits. Read more -> https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2024/04/did-celebrity-really-endorse-maybe-not

Did a celebrity really endorse THAT? Maybe not

New tech support scammers want your life savings

New tech support scammers want your life savings By Amy Hebert As we continue our deep dive into imposter scams, we're taking a look at a new twist on tech support scams. Ever deal with a tech support scam?  A warning pops up on your computer. It says your computer has a virus and gives you a number to call for help. You often end up paying hundreds of dollars to a scammer who pretends to deal with the fake virus.  Now scammers are upping the stakes — instead of hundreds of dollars, people are unknowingly handing over tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars to tech support scammers. Here's how. Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2024/03/new-tech-support-scammers-want-your-life-savings

New tech support scammers want your life savings

FTC says H&R Block pressures people into overpaying for tax prep

FTC says H&R Block pressures people into overpaying for tax prep By Ari Lazarus People hate filing taxes, but they love getting something for free. So, when H&R Block advertises that people can use its online tax product for free, people listen. The problem, according to the FTC? It often isn't free. Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2024/02/ftc-says-hr-block-pressures-people-overpaying-tax-prep FTC says H&R Block pressures people into overpaying for tax prep

Stay scam free, no matter how far away you roam

Stay scam free, no matter how far away you roam By Andrew Rayo Planning to travel this holiday season? No matter where you're going (over the river and through the woods), how you're getting there (planes, trains, and automobiles), or where you're staying (home for the holidays), here are the scams to avoid along the way. Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2023/11/stay-scam-free-no-matter-how-far-away-you-roam

Stay scam free, no matter how far away you roam

What to do if you can’t make car payments

What to do if you can't make car payments By Colleen Tressler Trouble making car payments? Worried about repossession? Unexpected life events, like a job loss or drop in income, may affect your ability to pay your bills, including car payments.  If you're worried that you won't be able to make your next car payment, take action as soon as possible. If you get behind on your payments, your lender could repossess your car — sometimes without warning. Read on to learn what to do. Read more >  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2023/11/what-do-if-you-cant-make-car-payments

What to do if you can’t make car payments

If you paid a scammer with a gift card, is your money gone? Maybe not

If you paid a scammer with a gift card, is your money gone? Maybe not By Cristina Miranda Did someone tell you to buy a gift card and give them the numbers? That's a scam. Your money was gone the moment you gave someone those gift card numbers. But now, some gift card companies might be able to get your money back. Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2023/07/if-you-paid-scammer-gift-card-your-money-gone-maybe-not

If you paid a scammer with a gift card, is your money gone? Maybe not

Asked to wire money? Cut the cord

Asked to wire money? Cut the cord By Terri Miller If someone asked you to mail them $200 in cash, would you do it? Probably not. Wiring money is just like sending cash in the mail.  Once it's gone, you probably won't get it back — which explains why scammers tell you to pay that way. You'd think twice before mailing your hard-earned money — do the same thing before you wire money.  Here's what to know.  Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2023/08/asked-wire-money-cut-cord

Video link -> https://youtube.com/shorts/gsTrV41neJU?feature=share

Asked to wire money? Cut the cord

How to spot and avoid post-disaster scams in the Northeast

How to spot and avoid post-disaster scams in the Northeast By Colleen Tressler As recovery efforts continue in areas of the Northeast hit hard by devastating flooding, scammers aren't far behind. Your tragedy is an opportunity for them, and they'll try to take advantage. If one of the recent storms damaged your home, you might get offers to do things like help you clean up debris or get financial help. The offer might even seem to come from a government official. But how do you know what's real? Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2023/07/how-spot-and-avoid-post-disaster-scams-northeast

How to spot and avoid post-disaster scams in the Northeast

Scammers impersonate delivery service support to rip off drivers and restaurants

Scammers impersonate delivery service support to rip off drivers and restaurants By Larissa Bungo You may have heard about food delivery services like DoorDash or Uber Eats: you order through a restaurant's website or a delivery service's mobile app and drivers deliver your food. We're hearing about a new scam targeting food delivery drivers and restaurants. Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2023/07/scammers-impersonate-delivery-service-support-rip-drivers-and-restaurants

Scammers impersonate delivery service support to rip off drivers and restaurants

Federal Trade Commission: Military consumers and romance scams

Military consumers and romance scams By Carol Kando-Pineda Counsel, FTC's Division of Consumer and Business Education For Military Consumer Month, let's talk a little about how romance scammers target people who support the troops — and sometimes servicemembers themselves. These scammers can be any age, gender, or sexual orientation and may approach you on dating sites or on social media platforms.  In 2022, nearly 70,000 people reported a romance scam to the FTC — and losses hit a staggering $1.3 billion. How can you avoid a romance scam? Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2023/07/military-consumers-and-romance-scams

Federal Trade Commission: Military consumers and romance scams

Imposters prey on families preparing for the funeral of a loved one

Imposters prey on families preparing for the funeral of a loved one By Alvaro Puig We're hearing about a new scheme that involves imposters preying on people who are grieving the loss of a loved one.  The imposters pretend to be from the funeral home and say that, unless the family pays more money immediately, the funeral will be canceled.  Can you imagine anything more despicable? Read more -> https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2023/06/imposters-prey-families-preparing-funeral-loved-one

Imposters prey on families preparing for the funeral of a loved one

Business coaching and real estate investment scheme targets Spanish speakers

Business coaching and real estate investment scheme targets Spanish speakers By Cristina Miranda Scammers are always looking for people to lure into schemes, in any language. The latest twist: scammers placing social media ads in Spanish, inviting people to free "seminars" where they'll learn how to profit from an online business or real estate investments.  But will you make money? Or is the company that is speaking your language scamming you? Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2023/06/business-coaching-and-real-estate-investment-scheme-targets-spanish-speakers

Business coaching and real estate investment scheme targets Spanish speakers