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?

Freezing? Maybe freeze your credit, too

Freezing? Maybe freeze your credit, too By Kira Krown New year, new chance to think about ways to protect yourself from identity theft. What's one way? Freeze your credit. Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2025/01/freezing-maybe-freeze-your-credit-too?

Freezing? Maybe freeze your credit, too

Dealing with spam texts, emails, and junk mail

Dealing with spam texts, emails, and junk mail By Andrew Rayo If it's not scammers spamming your phone with texts or filling up your inbox with emails, it's your mailbox crammed with ads and other mail you didn't ask for. The junk messages and mail might seem endless, but there are some ways to help scale it back. Read more -> https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2025/01/dealing-spam-texts-emails-and-junk-mail?

Got a text about unpaid tolls? It’s probably a scam

Got a text about unpaid tolls? It's probably a scam By Andrew Rayo Whether you've driven through a toll recently or not, you might've gotten a text saying you owe money for unpaid tolls. It's probably a scam.  Scammers are pretending to be tolling agencies from coast to coast and sending texts demanding money. Learn how the scam works so you can avoid it. Read more -> https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2025/01/got-text-about-unpaid-tolls-its-probably-scam? MassDOT sent a specific alert to EasyDrive users earlier this week https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/01/massdot-alerts-customers-of-smishing.html Got a text about unpaid tolls? It’s probably a scam

Identity Theft Awareness Week 2025 is coming! (JAN 27)

Identity Theft Awareness Week 2025 is coming! By Eunice Kim Are you interested in learning more about how to protect yourself from identity theft? Check out Identity Theft Awareness Week. During the week, the FTC and its partners will host free webinars and other events to talk about how to spot, avoid, report, and recover from identity theft. Mark your calendars. Identity Theft Awareness Week starts Monday, January 27! Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2025/01/identity-theft-awareness-week-2025-coming?

Identity Theft Awareness Week 2025 is coming! (JAN 27)

Taking the guesswork out of gigs

Taking the guesswork out of gigs By Gema de las Heras Say you're looking for ways to make extra cash and see an ad for a gig doing lawn or handy work, house cleaning, or assembling furniture.  What they promise you'll make per hour sounds good.  When you complete the work, you expect to make what you saw advertised, right?  But the FTC says that's not what happened for most people who signed up for gigs on the Handy Technologies platform. Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2025/01/taking-guesswork-out-gigs?

Taking the guesswork out of gigs

Stay ahead of scammers in 2025

Stay ahead of scammers in 2025 By Gema de las Heras With scammers targeting our entire life savings with their schemes, we all need to be alert and know how to detect their latest tricks.  Something as simple as talking about scams you know about is a great way to help you and your community stay protected.  And being part of this solution doesn't require training or a lot of time! Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2024/12/stay-ahead-scammers-2025?

Stay ahead of scammers in 2025

Detect immigration scams that start on social media

Detect immigration scams that start on social media By Gema de las Heras Scammers are impersonating attorneys and law firms, offering immigration services on social media. The posts on Facebook and other platforms might be in English or your preferred language.  If you press like or leave a comment, they'll contact you and guarantee you'll get a work permit, green card, or citizenship — but it's a scam.  How do you spot and avoid the scammers? Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2024/12/detect-immigration-scams-start-social-media?

Detect immigration scams that start on social media

Check out gift cards before you buy them

Check out gift cards before you buy them By Andrew Rayo Doing some holiday shopping? Here's a type of gift card scam to look out for: scammers can get the gift card number and PIN before you buy the card.  So if gift cards are on your holiday shopping list, keep reading. Read more -> https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2024/12/check-out-gift-cards-you-buy-them? Check out gift cards before you buy them