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

The Grid and The Scam (video short)

Video link -> https://youtube.com/shorts/-rR2gGzTQGA

Senator Sheldon Whitehouse has a video short on "The Grid & The Scam" to explain what the current administration is after all the lower cost energy sources; wind, solar, etc.

Video link -> https://youtube.com/shorts/-rR2gGzTQGA

Note 'video shorts' can't be embedded like regular videos.

This Identity Theft Awareness Week, find tools and events just for you

This Identity Theft Awareness Week, find tools and events just for you By BCP Staff Identity theft can happen anytime, to anyone. In fact, last year, more than a million people reported identity theft to the FTC. So, being ready to spot identity theft — and deal with it if it happens — can make a big difference. Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2026/01/identity-theft-awareness-week-find-tools-and-events-just-you?utm_source=govdelivery

Identity Theft Awareness Week (IDTAW), January 26-30, 2026

    

Hang up on unexpected calls saying you owe back taxes. Those are scams (video)

Hang up on unexpected calls saying you owe back taxes. Those are scams By BCP Staff We're seeing a big wave of reports about phone scams claiming you owe back taxes. But it's not the IRS calling, it's a scammer using a company name like "Tax Resolution Oversight Department."  If someone calls you out of the blue offering to help you fix a tax issue, hang up. Here's how to spot the scam. Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2026/01/hang-unexpected-calls-saying-you-owe-back-taxes-those-are-scams?utm_source=govdelivery

Parents and student athletes: If you’re hearing from sports agents, you’ll want to read this

Parents and student athletes: If you're hearing from sports agents, you'll want to read this By BCP Staff If you're hoping your athletic talents will lead you to endorsements during college or eventually to pro sports, signing with a sports agent might be an exciting first step — but it's also serious business.  That's why the FTC is seeking information from universities about sports agents' compliance with the Sports Agent Responsibility and Trust Act.  SPARTA requires agents to provide important information to student athletes and schools about agency contracts — and prohibits them from making false or misleading statements to student athletes or offering illegal gifts to induce student athletes to sign agency contracts. Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2026/01/parents-and-student-athletes-if-youre-hearing-sports-agents-youll-want-read?utm_source=govdelivery

            

Traveling to the Olympics in Italy? Here’s how to avoid a scam

Traveling to the Olympics in Italy? Here's how to avoid a scam By BCP Staff With the winter Olympics in Italy fast approaching, athletes around the world are fine-tuning their routines, sharpening their skates, and finalizing their travel itineraries. If you're planning to go to the Olympics, having a sound game plan is a key to success, just as it is for the competitors. Here's what to know about travel, ticket, and vacation rental scams before you embark on your journey. Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2026/01/traveling-olympics-italy-heres-how-avoid-scam?utm_source=govdelivery

    

Traveling to the Olympics in Italy? Here’s how to avoid a scam

Spot the scams when fixing your credit

Spot the scams when fixing your credit By BCP Staff If there's information on your credit report that's correct but not so great, it can make it harder to get credit with good terms. But there are things you can do yourself for free to help fix your credit. Credit repair companies also charge to do the same things. Before you consider paying, though, know the rules these companies have to follow — rules dishonest companies and scammers often break. Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2026/01/spot-scams-when-fixing-your-credit?utm_source=govdelivery

Influencers are pushing this illegal trick to “fix” your credit report (video)

Influencers are pushing this illegal trick to "fix" your credit report By BCP Staff Looking for some life hacks or advice about managing money? There's no shortage of online influencers ready to help. But not all advice is good advice (or truthful).  And in some cases, what they're telling you might be more than a bad idea — it might be illegal. Read more -> https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2026/01/influencers-are-pushing-illegal-trick-fix-your-credit-report?utm_source=govdelivery

Video link ->  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9o-lFh0Asso

Stolen funds for the holidays: Spot this military bank scam

Stolen funds for the holidays: Spot this military bank scam By BCP Staff People in the military are known for looking out for one another. That's why scammers set up camp outside military banks pretending to need help — just to get through the holidays. But take a tactical pause. This might be a scammer looking to use your phone to drain your bank accounts. Learn to spot and avoid this scam. Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2025/12/stolen-funds-holidays-spot-military-bank-scam?utm_source=govdelivery    Stolen funds for the holidays: Spot this military bank scam

Franklin Police issue scam alert on cryptocurrency related scams

SCAM ALERT

Franklin Police issue scam alert on cryptocurrency related scams


Our department is seeing a rise in cryptocurrency-related scams targeting community members. Scammers often pose as government agencies, utility companies, or even law enforcement and demand payment in crypto.

Remember:

* No legitimate agency will ever request payment in cryptocurrency. EVER. EVER. EVER. EVER. EVER. EVER. EVER. EVER. EVER. EVER. EVER. EVER.

* Never send crypto to someone you don’t personally know.

* Be cautious of unsolicited messages, urgent demands, or threats.

* When in doubt — hang up, delete the message, and contact us directly. IT CAN WAIT.

Stay alert and help spread the word to keep our community safe!

If you have any concerns regarding these crypto scams please contact Detective Flynn at 508-440-2720.

Donate to charities (not scammers) on Giving Tuesday

Donate to charities (not scammers) on Giving Tuesday By BCP Staff Chances are, you're probably already hearing from charities about Giving Tuesday. It's a great time to support the work of charities around the country. Unfortunately, not everyone asking for money is a real charity. As the year comes to a close, you'll likely get calls, texts, and emails asking for donations. Here's how to make sure your money goes to real causes that matter to you instead of to a scammer. Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2025/11/donate-charities-not-scammers-giving-tuesday?utm_source=govdelivery

    

Donate to charities (not scammers) on Giving Tuesday

How to avoid an online shopping scam this holiday season

How to avoid an online shopping scam this holiday season By BCP Staff Does it feel like the holidays come around faster and faster every year? If you're looking to save time by avoiding the crowds and doing some holiday shopping online, know that scammers camp out online all year long. So if you're planning to shop online for holiday gifts, how can you avoid accidentally running into a scam? Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2025/11/how-avoid-online-shopping-scam-holiday-season?utm_source=govdelivery

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