This month, Pass It On to help someone you know avoid a scam

This month, Pass It On to help someone you know avoid a scam By BCP Staff Looking for ways to celebrate Older Americans Month? There’s something people of all ages can do to participate and help each other avoid scams: Pass It On. The FTC has a different approach to educating older adults about fraud. Pass It On encourages people to lean into their invaluable life experience and use the free materials as a way to start a conversation with friends and family. Read more -> https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2026/05/month-pass-it-help-someone-you-know-avoid-scam?utm_source=govdelivery

New trends in reports of imposter scams

New trends in reports of imposter scams By BCP Staff Every year, the FTC gets millions of fraud reports from consumers and shares information about the top scams. In what’s not a surprise for anyone who’s followed along in the past, imposter scams were the #1 scam for the ninth year in a row.  So, what do we know about these imposter scams? Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2026/05/new-trends-reports-imposter-scams?utm_source=govdelivery

Say “no, thanks” to unexpected offers to lower your credit card interest rate

Say “no, thanks” to unexpected offers to lower your credit card interest rate By BCP Staff If a company calls you unexpectedly and offers to help lower your credit card interest rate, say “no, thanks.” It’s probably a scammer hoping you’ll pay them for shortcuts that don’t really exist.  Here’s how to spot and avoid scams that promise to help lower your credit card interest rate. Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2026/04/say-no-thanks-unexpected-offers-lower-your-credit-card-interest-rate?utm_source=govdelivery

With people losing big to investment scams, learn how to spot and avoid them

With people losing big to investment scams, learn how to spot and avoid them By BCP Staff You might be interested in making money through investments. Who isn’t? So offers that promise big returns might draw your attention…and scammers know this. They use those promises and clever schemes to lure you in and, unfortunately, people are losing big money on investment scams.  In fact, FTC data shows reports of more than $7.9 billion in losses to investment scams, with a median individual loss of more than $10,000 in 2025. Do you know how to spot and avoid investment scams? Read more -> https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2026/04/people-losing-big-investment-scams-learn-how-spot-and-avoid-them?utm_source=govdelivery

Got a text about expiring reward points? Look closer

Got a text about expiring reward points? Look closer By BCP Staff If you’re signed up for a rewards program, you may have gotten texts warning that your points are expiring soon. A message like that may catch your attention, but people are reporting to the FTC that some of those messages aren’t real — and come from scammers. So how can you tell which messages are real and which are phishing scams? Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2026/04/got-text-about-expiring-reward-points-look-closer?utm_source=govdelivery

Could that mortgage relief offer be a scam?

Could that mortgage relief offer be a scam? By BCP Staff Life happens and sometimes you end up with trouble paying your mortgage. Maybe you were affected by a natural disaster, lost your job, or got stuck with a bunch of medical bills after an illness.  Then, suddenly, you get an unexpected call offering you mortgage relief. But could it be a scam? Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2026/04/could-mortgage-relief-offer-be-scam?utm_source=govdelivery

Activate the scam alert

via Franklin Police Dept:

"Activate the scam alarm!

WEEEEEEE WOOOOOOO WEEEEEEE WOOOOOOOO!

Please familiarize yourself with this new statewide scam! As always, if you have any questions about potential scams, give us a call!"

-------------------------

#ScamAlert: It’s back — More official looking, equally as fraudulent 

A fake “Notice of Default — Parking/Toll Violation” scam is making the rounds AGAIN, claiming to be from the Boston Municipal Court. Its intended to pressure recipients to either appear in court or pay fines immediately and often directs them to scan a QR code. Some red flags…

🚩 90/20 is an expired inspection sticker, not a parking/toll violation

🚩 Urgent demand for payment

🚩 QR code for payment (cut off for safety)

🚩 Threats of license suspension, court action, or credit impact.

Scammers gonna scam. Please continue to stay vigilant, and share to warn others. Thank you!

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How to handle unexpected calls about unclaimed funds

How to handle unexpected calls about unclaimed funds By BCP Staff Did you get a call or text saying you're eligible for thousands of dollars in unclaimed property? Don't get excited yet. It might be a scammer looking to steal your money or personal information.  Here's how to avoid that scam — and find out if a government agency has money, stocks, or another asset that belongs to you. Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2026/03/how-handle-unexpected-calls-about-unclaimed-funds?utm_source=govdelivery

Looking for debt relief? Here’s how to avoid a scam

Looking for debt relief? Here's how to avoid a scam By BCP Staff If you're dealing with a lot of debt, you might be looking for help. Some companies offer a range of free and paid services, like budget counseling and debt management classes. But others are dishonest and will take your money for the promise of getting rid of your debt — just to leave you even worse off. So, how can you avoid scams while you're trying to pay off your debt? Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2026/03/looking-debt-relief-heres-how-avoid-scam?utm_source=govdelivery

How scammers are using the Iran conflict to try to steal your money and information

How scammers are using the Iran conflict to try to steal your money and information By BCP Staff With global attention focused on the conflict in Iran, it's no surprise scammers have already added that situation to their story lines. Some recent reports to the FTC about imposter, romance, and fake charity scams include an Iran twist.  The details change, but the scammer's goal is always to trick you into paying or sharing your personal information.  Here are some examples of these scams — and how to protect yourself. Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2026/03/how-scammers-are-using-iran-conflict-try-steal-your-money-and-information?utm_source=govdelivery

How to make your World Cup experience scam free

How to make your World Cup experience scam free By BCP Staff Excitement is reaching a fever pitch as the United States, Mexico, and Canada get ready to welcome thousands of fans for one of the most-watched sporting events on the planet — the FIFA World Cup! While die-hard fans are preparing to support their countrymen, scammers are looking to take advantage of the rush for tickets. Learn how to make your World Cup experience scam free. Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2026/03/how-make-your-world-cup-experience-scam-free?utm_source=govdelivery

That random call saying “you’ve won a prize” is a scam

That random call saying "you've won a prize" is a scam By BCP Staff If you get a call saying "you've won a prize," you might be thinking, why not claim it? Unfortunately, it's likely a scam to steal your money — especially if it's for a contest you didn't enter.  So how can you spot and avoid a prize scam? Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2026/03/random-call-saying-youve-won-prize-scam?utm_source=govdelivery

Phishing Scam Warning from Franklin Police Dept

Phishing Scam Warning from Franklin Police Dept

"The Town of Franklin has been alerted to fraudulent emails and messages pretending to be from Town officials. These scams attempt to trick people into sending money or sharing sensitive information.

Please remember:

• The Town of Franklin will never request payment by wire transfer.
• Scammers may use the Town’s name, logo, or similar email addresses to appear legitimate.
• Messages may create urgency and ask you to click links, download attachments, or send payment.

What to do:

• Do not click suspicious links or attachments.
• Double-check the sender’s email address.
• If unsure, contact the Town department directly using information on the official Town website.

Stay vigilant and help spread the word."

Shared from - https://www.instagram.com/p/DVrgnTdiX3t/

How to avoid government grant scams that offer free money for personal expenses

How to avoid government grant scams that offer free money for personal expenses By BCP Staff Scammers make up all kinds of bogus stories to steal your personal information, or your money. Some go negative and make up a problem that doesn't really exist. Others try a positive spin and say you won something, like free money made available through a government grant or program. How do you know if these promises are legit—or a scam? Here are five common signs of a fake government grant scam: Read more -> https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2026/03/how-avoid-government-grant-scams-offer-free-money-personal-expenses?utm_source=govdelivery

Welcome to National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) 2026

Welcome to NCPW 2026 By BCP Staff It's National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) 2026. Welcome! Today kicks off the 28th year of the FTC joining with partner organizations to amplify the importance of consumer protection.  This week, the FTC is focused on delivering messages and hosting events on how to avoid scams, how to report scams, and what to do to help recover from scams. Visit ftc.gov/ncpw to find those in-person and virtual events, as well as free tools to promote NCPW. Here are some other ways to participate in NCPW 2026. Read more  -> https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2026/03/welcome-ncpw-2026?utm_source=govdelivery

Help Us Slam the Scam! - March 5

Protect your loved ones and your community this Slam the Scam Day

Join Us for National Slam the Scam Day — March 5! On March 5, 2026, during National Consumer Protection Week, the Social Security Administration (SSA) and its Office of the Inspector General (OIG) will lead National Slam the Scam Day. Take part by using tools from SSA and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to recognize imposters — including Social Security-related scams — and stop scammers from stealing your money and personal information. Help Us Slam the Scam! Learn about common tactics and how to recognize the signs. For example: An unexpected problem or offer of a prize or government benefit increase. Pressure to act immediately. Request for unusual payments like cryptocurrency, gift cards, gold bars, cash, or wire transfers, even with the promise of keeping your money safe. Spread the word. Visit ssa.gov/scam for more information that could help you and others stay safe. Report suspicious activity. Report Social Security-related issues to SSA OIG (oig.ssa.gov/report) and other concerns to the FTC (reportfraud.ftc.gov). Report a Social Security Scam Follow SSA OIG on Facebook, X, and LinkedIn. Repost #SlamtheScam content on social media to keep your friends and family safe.

Go Digital! Join the millions and discover your benefits. Open a personal my Social Security account

How to avoid a side hustle scam

How to avoid a side hustle scam By BCP Staff As the holiday season becomes an ever more distant memory, the holiday bills might not be. If you're looking to pick up a side gig to make extra cash, pay down debt, or catch up on some bills, know that scammers are looking to make money, too. One of their hustles is advertising fake jobs. So how do you tell a legit gig from a scam? Read more -> https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2026/02/how-avoid-side-hustle-scam?utm_source=govdelivery

    

Why can’t that new love interest meet in person?

Why can't that new love interest meet in person? By BCP Staff Met someone new online…but you still haven't met in person? With Valentine's Day just around the corner, it's a great time to make sure you know how to recognize a romance scam. Romance scams can happen to anyone. And with the help of AI and other tech, they might not be so easy to spot. AI or not, here are some signs you're dealing with a scammer: Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2026/02/why-cant-new-love-interest-meet-person?utm_source=govdelivery      Why can’t that new love interest meet in person?

No, that’s not your boss asking you to buy gift cards

No, that's not your boss asking you to buy gift cards By BCP Staff While the gift-giving holidays are over, scammers still want gift card money. Some scammers might even reach out by pretending to be your boss and asking you to buy gift cards for them. But it's a scam. Here's how to spot and avoid it. Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2026/01/no-thats-not-your-boss-asking-you-buy-gift-cards?utm_source=govdelivery

   

Can you spot a fake loan text scam?

Can you spot a fake loan text scam? By BCP Staff You get a text message, supposedly following up on a $10,000 loan application. Only, you never applied for a loan. Is this pure luck or a scam? Before you use the callback number in the message to find out, or even reply "NO" to cancel the application, learn to spot a fake loan text scam. Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2026/01/can-you-spot-fake-loan-text-scam?utm_source=govdelivery