An “agent” told me to stay off the internet. Is it a scam?

An "agent" told me to stay off the internet. Is it a scam? By BCP Staff You get an unexpected call with some bad news: your name is linked to serious crimes, and your money is at risk, says the voice on the line. The next thing you know, he connects you with an "agent" who can supposedly help you resolve the issue. Your heart and mind are racing.  But your gut is telling you to talk to someone you trust — or to get off the phone and search the internet for advice.  So why would a helpful "agent" warn you not to talk to anyone or tell you to stay off the internet until he can fix the problem? Probably because that "agent" is really a scammer. Read more - >  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2025/11/agent-told-me-stay-internet-it-scam?utm_source=govdelivery

Town of Franklin issues email scam alert

Town of Franklin issues email scam alert

Town of Franklin is aware of an Email Scam with fraudulent emails impersonating Town Departments & Committees

The Town of Franklin has become aware of an email scam wherein hackers impersonating the Planning Department, Conservation Commission, and potentially others, contact individuals and organizations demanding invoice payment via wire transfer.

PLEASE BE AWARE that the Town of Franklin does not solicit payments via wire transfer.

IF YOU RECEIVE ONE OF THESE EMAILS PLEASE CALL

Detective Laura Canavan at (508) 440-2719

• DO NOT SEND ANY MONEY
• DO NOT CLICK ANY LINKS
• DO NOT OPEN ANY ATTACHMENTS

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/DRAwDIVkvjY/

Scam Alert from the Norfolk County Sheriff’s Office

Dear Community Members,



I am reaching out to alert you to an increase in scams by people claiming to be associated with the Norfolk County Sheriff’s Office. These scams may involve phone calls, emails, or messages that demand payment, threaten arrest, or request personal information. 

Often, the scammers indicate you have “missed jury duty” or that there is a “warrant” out for you and that you risk being “detained” if money is not sent immediately.



Please be advised that the Norfolk County Sheriff’s Office does not contact individuals to demand money, request gift cards, or ask for personal or financial information. Local police departments never make calls like this either.

Scam Alert from the Norfolk
County Sheriff’s Office

If you receive a suspicious call or message:

• Do not provide any personal or financial information
• Do not send money or purchase gift cards, or transfer funds through a Bitcoin kiosk
• Hang up immediately and report the incident to your local police department or the Norfolk County Sheriff’s Office at 781-329-3705

Your safety and awareness are our top priorities. Please share this message with family, friends, and neighbors to help prevent others from becoming victims of these scams.



Stay safe and vigilant,

Sheriff Patrick McDermott

Norfolk County Sheriff’s Office

No, that’s not an FTC commissioner on the phone (video)

No, that's not an FTC commissioner on the phone By BCP Staff Scammers like to pretend to be someone official to try to get your money. And who could be more official than the FTC chairman and commissioners, some of the nation's leading fraud fighters?  But here's something important to know: nobody who works at the FTC will ever, EVER tell you to move your money to protect it. We won't insist that you cash out your 401(k) or savings account and give that money to someone else. Read more ->

Video link -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LGCJSOAWyEM

How to avoid scams when looking for drug treatment (video)

How to avoid scams when looking for drug treatment By BCP Staff August 31 is International Overdose Awareness Day — a day to commemorate those lost to a drug overdose, support their surviving families, and dedicate resources to end overdose.  One way the FTC is working to help people and families dealing with substance use disorders is by cracking down on companies that try to manipulate or deceive people seeking treatment.  If you search online to find help, know that dishonest businesses could use search result scams to steer you their way. Here are some things to know when searching online for drug treatment help. Read more  ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2025/08/how-avoid-scams-when-looking-drug-treatment?utm_source=govdelivery      Video link -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iXjT1elh2lA

That social media ad with super low prices on well-known brands could be a scam

That social media ad with super low prices on well-known brands could be a scam By BCP Staff See an eye-catching "deal" on your social for a brand-name product at a big discount? Don't click — it could be a scam. Here's what to know. Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2025/08/social-media-ad-super-low-prices-well-known-brands-could-be-scam?utm_source=govdelivery

Police issue Fraud alert on fraudulent invoice from Town of Franklin department

Police issue Fraud alert on fraudulent
invoice from Town of Franklin department

***FRAUD ALERT***

This week an organization in Franklin received an invoice from the “Planning & Development Department” requesting a wire payment. The fraudulent invoice even used the new Town of Franklin logo. Now it could be argued this is one of the worst photoshop attempts of all time but that’s a conversation for another time.

If you receive one of these please please please do not wire money.

If you have questions about any bill you receive from the Town of Franklin we implore you to call Town Hall and confirm the invoice with the respective department before paying it.

If you think you’ve been scammed or have questions about a potential scam you can always call the station at 508-528-1212 or stop by the station.

Thank you!

Shared from ->  https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BPNFvVnBJ/

You can listen to Rydio talk with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen about this scam going around MA. Skip ahead to about 25 minutes for the scam section, or just listen through the 28 minutes.  -> https://soundcloud.com/localraydio/ray-in-the-morning-frankln?si=c46a9254ecd444f289d0757276b71461

How to spot and avoid task scams

How to spot and avoid task scams By BCP Staff You get an unexpected message on WhatsApp, Telegram, text, or social media. The person says you can make quick money online doing tasks.  It sounds simple, and the message says you'll get paid right away. But this could be a scam.  Read on to find out how to spot and avoid them. Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2025/08/how-spot-and-avoid-task-scams?utm_source=govdelivery

Looking for health insurance? Make sure that’s what you’re getting

Looking for health insurance? Make sure that's what you're getting By BCP Staff Are you looking to get or switch your health insurance? Know that some dishonest marketers might lie about what your plan would cover, make it seem like they're selling health insurance when you're really just getting a discount plan, or try to sell you something else entirely. Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2025/08/looking-health-insurance-make-sure-thats-what-youre-getting?utm_source=govdelivery

Scammers are using fake websites in a twist on jury duty scams

Scammers are using fake websites in a twist on jury duty scams By BCP Staff Scammers are still pretending to be the police, calling to say you've missed jury duty and need to pay.  But in a new twist, some scammers are now telling you to visit a website to enter your personal information — all so they can steal it and your money. Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2025/08/scammers-are-using-fake-websites-twist-jury-duty-scams?utm_source=govdelivery

    

Scammers are using fake websites in a twist on jury duty scams

FTC provides free resources for learning money management and how to spot and avoid scams

Free resources for learning money management and how to spot and avoid scams By BCP Staff Do you know someone who might need to brush up on their money management skills? Or learn to spot and avoid scams? Back-to-school season is a good time to get to work on learning. Whether you're a student, a parent, or just looking to sharpen your skills, you can learn how to protect your money and personal information. The FTC's consumer.gov has free, reliable information in plain language to help you get started. Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2025/08/free-resources-learning-money-management-and-how-spot-and-avoid-scams?utm_source=govdelivery

Job-seeking servicemembers: Avoid scams while you search

Job-seeking servicemembers: Avoid scams while you search By BCP Staff Discharged from the military, retiring, or transitioning to civilian life? Once you leave active duty, you might be interested in new career opportunities to put your valuable skills and experience to work. Scammers are also looking for opportunities — specifically, to steal your money. Reports to the FTC about job scams have tripled from 2020 to 2024 and reported losses jumped from $90 million to $501 million in that time. Here are some ways to help you spot a scam while you're job searching. Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2025/06/job-seeking-servicemembers-avoid-scams-while-you-search?utm_source=govdelivery

    

Job-seeking servicemembers: Avoid scams while you search

Spot scams while getting out of debt

Spot scams while getting out of debt By BCP Staff Having a lot of debt can be stressful at any age. But if you're retired or about to live on a fixed income, paying off debt can sometimes be more challenging. As you explore your options, know that scammers might promise to take away your debt — for a fee. If you pay them before they help you, you'll likely lose money instead of getting a fresh start. So, what's the best way to pay down debt while avoiding scams? Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2025/07/spot-scams-while-getting-out-debt?utm_source=govdelivery

Spot scams while getting out of debt

Scammy texts offering “refunds” for Amazon purchases

Scammy texts offering "refunds" for Amazon purchases By BCP Staff Scammers are pretending to be Amazon again. This time, they're sending texts claiming there's a problem with something you bought. They offer a refund if you click a link — but it's a scam. Here's how the scam works so you can avoid it. Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2025/07/scammy-texts-offering-refunds-amazon-purchases?utm_source=govdelivery

    

Scammy texts offering “refunds” for Amazon purchases

That text about an overdue traffic ticket is probably a scam

That text about an overdue traffic ticket is probably a scam By BCP Staff Chances are, you've gotten a scam text about unpaid toll charges or know someone who has.  Now scammers are going even further and pretending to be the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) from states all over the country. They insist that you pay for an "overdue traffic ticket" and threaten to suspend your driving privileges (among other things) if you don't.  Here's how the scam works. Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2025/07/text-about-overdue-traffic-ticket-probably-scam?utm_source=govdelivery

Real government agents aren’t asking you to buy and deliver gold bars

Real government agents aren't asking you to buy and deliver gold bars By BCP Staff If someone contacts you unexpectedly and tells you to buy gold bars and hand them to someone (anyone!) to "protect your money," you've spotted a scam. Instead of doing what they say, stop. Want to know how these scams work and how to avoid them? Read on. Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2025/07/real-government-agents-arent-asking-you-buy-and-deliver-gold-bars?utm_source=govdelivery

    

Real government agents aren’t asking you to buy and deliver gold bars

Community Alert: Let Medway help us avoid what they experienced

A valuable reminder from the Medway Police Department:

"This morning, multiple vehicles were broken into at Orangetheory in the Medway Commons. Windows were smashed, and belongings were stolen.

This type of crime is consistent with known organized groups that travel across states and communities, targeting fitness centers, parks, and similar places. Their MO often includes breaking into vehicles to steal purses, wallets, or bags that are left in plain sight, then quickly using stolen credit cards or cashing stolen checks before victims even realize what happened.

Community Alert: Let Medway help us avoid what they experienced 

📌Aside from today's incident, other recent activity includes:

- Last week: Checks stolen from a vehicle in another part of the state were cashed at a Medway bank.

- Over the Weekend: Credit cards were stolen from a gym locker room in Millis and were used shortly after at CVS in Medway.

To help prevent these crimes, always lock your vehicle, avoid leaving valuables in sight, and take personal belongings with you whenever possible. Staying alert in parking areas and reporting suspicious behavior can make a big difference!"

Shared from -> https://www.instagram.com/p/DMNj97Nt5Ve/

New job? How to spot boss imposter scams

New job? How to spot boss imposter scams By BCP Staff After a long search, you've got that new job. You can't wait to share the good news on social media, but as you're shouting it from the virtual rooftop, know this: it's not only friends and colleagues who'll get the alert. Scammers are watching, too — and they might use the update to target you. Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2025/07/new-job-how-spot-boss-imposter-scams?utm_source=govdelivery

Help the people affected by flooding in Texas — not a scammer

Help the people affected by flooding in Texas — not a scammer By BCP Staff In response to the devastating flash flooding in central Texas, many are looking for ways to get and give help. And scammers are looking to prey on people's generosity.  So how can you make sure your donations go to the people who need them and not to a scammer? Read more -> https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2025/07/help-people-affected-flooding-texas-not-scammer?utm_source=govdelivery

Veterans and caregivers: Recognize VA benefits overpayment scams

Veterans and caregivers: Recognize VA benefits overpayment scams By BCP Staff Got a letter in the mail from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) saying you owe money due to an overpayment of your benefits?  You might be wondering: Was I really overpaid? How much do I need to pay back?  To get real answers to questions like these, always start by logging into your VA.gov account. Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2025/07/veterans-and-caregivers-recognize-va-benefits-overpayment-scams?utm_source=govdelivery