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

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