Protecting your personal information: Which documents to keep and which to shred

Protecting your personal information: Which documents to keep and which to shred By BCP Staff When it comes to protecting your identity, you might think about keeping usernames to yourself, using strong passwords, and reviewing your statements. That's all great. But it's also important to think about what you do with documents or digital files that contain your financial information.  So, let's look at what you should keep and lock up, and what you should shred or delete. Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2025/06/protecting-your-personal-information-which-documents-keep-and-which-shred?utm_source=govdelivery

Protecting your personal information: Which documents to keep and which to shred

Successfully scoring summer concert tickets

Successfully scoring summer concert tickets By BCP Staff To paraphrase Taylor Swift, buying concert tickets shouldn't feel like a bear attack.  But for many people hoping to see their favorite artist, sports team, or theatrical cast live, scoring tickets before they sell out can seem impossible.  Why?  Sometimes there just aren't enough tickets available for everyone who wants to go. But sometimes, you might be competing with people who break the rules. Read more -> https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2025/06/successfully-scoring-summer-concert-tickets?utm_source=govdelivery

Successfully scoring summer concert tickets

Protect yourself from phishing scams

Protect yourself from phishing scams By BCP Staff Do you feel like you're getting more emails from strangers than messages from people you actually know?  These unexpected messages are often phishing scams trying to steal your money and personal information.  FTC data shows that email was the top method scammers used to contact people in 2024. To help you avoid these scams, here's what to know. Read more ->   https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2025/04/protect-yourself-phishing-scams?utm_source=govdelivery

Can you spot an investment scam on social media?

Can you spot an investment scam on social media? By BCP Staff Can you spot an investment scam if it comes from an actual friend's page on social media?  If someone you know is suddenly posting bank account screenshots, claiming they can teach you to make money quickly with little to no risk, it's likely an investment scam.  Keep scrolling to learn how to recognize the signs. Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2025/05/can-you-spot-investment-scam-social-media?utm_source=govdelivery

No, FTC “agents” with badge numbers aren’t calling you

No, FTC "agents" with badge numbers aren't calling you By BCP Staff Scammers impersonating the government — including the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) — is nothing new.  But here's a twist: scammers are now calling themselves FTC "agents" and supplying fake badge numbers and ID cards to try to convince you they are who they say they are. (…They're not who they say they are. The FTC doesn't have "agents.")  So how do you avoid scams like this? Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2025/05/no-ftc-agents-badge-numbers-arent-calling-you?utm_source=govdelivery

No, FTC “agents” with badge numbers aren’t calling you

What the Rule on Unfair or Deceptive Fees means for you

What the Rule on Unfair or Deceptive Fees means for you By BCP Staff Have you ever picked out tickets to an event or the perfect vacation rental and then ended up paying twice what you expected in fees at checkout?  Help is on the way: the FTC's Rule on Unfair or Deceptive Fees takes effect today. What might this mean for you? Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2025/05/what-rule-unfair-or-deceptive-fees-means-you?utm_source=govdelivery

What the Rule on Unfair or Deceptive Fees means for you

Avoid online JOANN impersonators and their fake sales

Avoid online JOANN impersonators and their fake sales By BCP Staff You may have heard the news: JOANN Fabric & Craft stores are closing — and holding big clearance sales before they shut their doors. Looking to grab some deals?  The real JOANN sales are only happening in person in their physical stores. But that hasn't stopped scammers from setting up bogus websites with fraudulent deals claiming to give you 80-90% off.  Here's how to avoid these JOANN online impersonators. Read more -> https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2025/05/avoid-online-joann-impersonators-and-their-fake-sales?utm_source=govdelivery

Getting calls from a debt collector? You have rights

Getting calls from a debt collector? You have rights By BCP Staff You get a call out of the blue. The caller insists you owe money and says you'll be arrested if you don't pay immediately. You have no idea what she's talking about. What do you do? Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2025/05/getting-calls-debt-collector-you-have-rights?utm_source=govdelivery

Getting calls from a debt collector? You have rights

Think that text message is from USPS? It could be a scam

Think that text message is from USPS? It could be a scam By BCP Staff Have you ever gotten a text message about a package coming via the United States Postal Service? Maybe it confirmed your order, said a package is out for delivery, or said there's a problem like unpaid postage, a missed delivery, or you need to update your shipping preferences.  That text message will say to click a link to learn more or fix the problem. But there's a good chance that text message that says it's from USPS (or FedEx…or DHL…) is really from a scammer. Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2025/04/think-text-message-usps-it-could-be-scam?utm_source=govdelivery

How to use parental controls to keep your kid safer online

How to use parental controls to keep your kid safer online By BCP Staff Talking with your kids about your family's rules and expectations is key to helping them establish good online habits. Some parents use parental controls to reinforce those good habits — and create safer online spaces for their kids to learn and play. Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2025/04/how-use-parental-controls-keep-your-kid-safer-online?utm_source=govdelivery

    

How to use parental controls to keep your kid safer online

Is that unexpected text a scam?

Is that unexpected text a scam? By BCP Staff Did you know that people almost always open text messages? In a new Data Spotlight about the big jump in reported fraud losses involving text scams, the FTC notes a study finding open rates can be as high as 98%. Those are really good odds for a scammer. And when scammers get you to respond to their messages, they're cashing in. Here's how you can increase your chances of keeping your money safe. Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2025/04/unexpected-text-scam

Online search results: The good, the bad, and the scammy

Online search results: The good, the bad, and the scammy By BCP Staff Online search results can offer significant benefits to consumers, helping people find what they're looking for. But online search results are also used by scammers to steer you in the wrong direction. Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2025/04/online-search-results-good-bad-and-scammy?utm_source=govdelivery

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Online search results: The good, the bad, and the scammy

Don’t pay to get your Employer Identification Number (EIN)

Don't pay to get your Employer Identification Number (EIN) By BCP staff Have you ever paid for something and later found out you could have gotten it for free? It might make you wish someone had told you it was free — before you paid. That's what a lot of people have reported to the FTC about companies charging them hundreds of dollars to get their Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS. But there's no reason to pay anyone for your EIN. The IRS issues EINs for free. Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2025/04/dont-pay-get-your-employer-identification-number-ein?      https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2025/04/dont-pay-get-your-employer-identification-number-ein?

Getting the word out about FTC imposter scams

Getting the word out about FTC imposter scams By BCP Staff Using old tactics and new twists, scammers are impersonating government agencies, including the FTC, to try to steal people's personal information and money.  The FTC is committed to combatting these imposter scams, and there's encouraging news these efforts are making a difference to American consumers. Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2025/03/getting-word-out-about-ftc-imposter-scams?

Getting the word out about FTC imposter scams

What are the signs of a scam?

What are the signs of a scam? By BCP Staff Though the details might change, scams usually have some things in common. And knowing what they are can help you recognize — and then avoid — scams that come your way. Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2025/03/what-are-signs-scam?

What are the signs of a scam?

Fake check scam targets online car sellers

Fake check scam targets online car sellers By BCP Staff Are you selling a car online? If so, know that scammers may target you.  They'll pretend to be a buyer and try to trick you into sending them money. Here's how the scam works. Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2025/02/fake-check-scam-targets-online-car-sellers?

https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/

Did someone use your SSN to file taxes? Here’s what to do

Did someone use your SSN to file taxes? Here's what to do By BCP Staff If you're filing your taxes online this year, watch for signs of tax identity theft, like someone using your Social Security number (SSN) to file and claim a tax refund. One way you'll know is if the IRS rejects your tax return once you file. Learn to protect yourself while filing online and what to do if someone steals your tax refund. Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2025/02/did-someone-use-your-ssn-file-taxes-heres-what-do?

Did someone use your SSN to file taxes? Here’s what to do

Tax season 2025: where to find help

Tax season 2025: where to find help By BCP Staff Tax season is here and people have questions. Where to file? How to file? Can I file online? For free? For those answers, always start with the official IRS website at irs.gov. Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2025/02/tax-season-2025-where-find-help?

The Franklin Public Library also offers tax assistence for those with income less than $67,000  https://franklinma.gov/266/Volunteer-Income-Tax-Assistance-VITA

Tax season 2025: where to find help

4 ways to avoid scams after a weather-related disaster

Four ways to avoid scams after a weather-related disaster By BCP Staff Whenever severe weather strikes — blizzards, heavy winds, or the recent devastating fires in Los Angeles — you can bet scammers are following the news to target people affected.  So, how do you protect yourself against weather-related scams? Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2025/01/four-ways-avoid-scams-after-weather-related-disaster?

4 ways to avoid scams after a weather-related disaster

 

Some things to know this Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period

Some things to know this Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period By BCP Staff Enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan you're not sure is right for you? Here are some things to keep in mind if you're reviewing and comparing your coverage options. Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2025/01/some-things-know-medicare-advantage-open-enrollment-period?