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

Job scammers are looking to hire you

Job scammers are looking to hire you By BCP Staff Scammers are always "hiring" but don't actually want to employ you. Instead, they want your money, personal information, or both.  Here's how to spot and avoid a job scam. Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2025/07/job-scammers-are-looking-hire-you?utm_source=govdelivery

Welcome to Military Consumer Month 2025

Welcome to Military Consumer Month 2025 By BCP Staff Military servicemembers, veterans, and their families sacrifice a lot to keep our country safe. In the spirit of protecting those who've served, the Federal Trade Commission invites you to talk about scams with your battle buddies. Looking for ways to share what you know and protect someone else from a scam? The FTC's got your six. Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2025/06/welcome-military-consumer-month-2025?utm_source=govdelivery

        

Welcome to Military Consumer Month 2025

Don’t pay for a prize (scam)

Don't pay for a prize (scam) By BCP Staff "You've won!" are two words likely to get your attention – but sometimes it's a scammer delivering the news. (Spoiler: you didn't win anything.) Here's how to spot and avoid prize scams. Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2025/06/dont-pay-prize-scam?utm_source=govdelivery

    

Yes, going to the DMV is the only way to avoid a REAL ID scam (RMV in Mass.)

Yes, going to the DMV is the only way to avoid a REAL ID scam By BCP Staff If you want to use your driver's license to fly, you'll need a REAL ID. If you don't have one yet, your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is the place to go, and they're only taking in-person appointments.  But people are telling the FTC that scammers are pretending to be the DMV or another government agency.  Reports say these "officials" are sending messages saying you can skip the line if you pay or give them information. Here's how that scam works so you can avoid it. Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2025/06/yes-going-dmv-only-way-avoid-real-id-scam?utm_source=govdelivery

    

Yes, going to the DMV is the only way to avoid a REAL ID scam

How to avoid travel website scams

How to avoid travel website scams By BCP Staff Hoping to take a trip in the warmer weather? Before you start planning, know that some scammers set up websites advertising free or cheap travel deals. Learn to spot these scammy sites and other schemes designed to steal your money and personal information. Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2025/06/how-avoid-travel-website-scams?utm_source=govdelivery

Successfully scoring summer concert tickets

Successfully scoring summer concert tickets By BCP Staff To paraphrase Taylor Swift, buying concert tickets shouldn't feel like a bear attack.  But for many people hoping to see their favorite artist, sports team, or theatrical cast live, scoring tickets before they sell out can seem impossible.  Why?  Sometimes there just aren't enough tickets available for everyone who wants to go. But sometimes, you might be competing with people who break the rules. Read more -> https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2025/06/successfully-scoring-summer-concert-tickets?utm_source=govdelivery

Successfully scoring summer concert tickets

Protect yourself from phishing scams

Protect yourself from phishing scams By BCP Staff Do you feel like you're getting more emails from strangers than messages from people you actually know?  These unexpected messages are often phishing scams trying to steal your money and personal information.  FTC data shows that email was the top method scammers used to contact people in 2024. To help you avoid these scams, here's what to know. Read more ->   https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2025/04/protect-yourself-phishing-scams?utm_source=govdelivery

Can you spot an investment scam on social media?

Can you spot an investment scam on social media? By BCP Staff Can you spot an investment scam if it comes from an actual friend's page on social media?  If someone you know is suddenly posting bank account screenshots, claiming they can teach you to make money quickly with little to no risk, it's likely an investment scam.  Keep scrolling to learn how to recognize the signs. Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2025/05/can-you-spot-investment-scam-social-media?utm_source=govdelivery

No, FTC “agents” with badge numbers aren’t calling you

No, FTC "agents" with badge numbers aren't calling you By BCP Staff Scammers impersonating the government — including the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) — is nothing new.  But here's a twist: scammers are now calling themselves FTC "agents" and supplying fake badge numbers and ID cards to try to convince you they are who they say they are. (…They're not who they say they are. The FTC doesn't have "agents.")  So how do you avoid scams like this? Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2025/05/no-ftc-agents-badge-numbers-arent-calling-you?utm_source=govdelivery

No, FTC “agents” with badge numbers aren’t calling you

Did you get a notice in the mail about your property? Here’s what to know

Notice in the mail about your property? Here's what to know By BCP Staff Say you get a letter that seems to come from a bank. It says it's related to your property, has the words "FINAL NOTICE," printed on the letter, and has what looks like a refund check attached.  Your first thought is that you're getting money. But then you notice there's no signature, and the small print says it isn't a check. The mailer says to "Call IMMEDIATELY". But what happens if you call? Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2025/05/notice-mail-about-your-property-heres-what-know?utm_source=govdelivery      Did you get a notice in the mail about your property? Here’s what to know

Avoid online JOANN impersonators and their fake sales

Avoid online JOANN impersonators and their fake sales By BCP Staff You may have heard the news: JOANN Fabric & Craft stores are closing — and holding big clearance sales before they shut their doors. Looking to grab some deals?  The real JOANN sales are only happening in person in their physical stores. But that hasn't stopped scammers from setting up bogus websites with fraudulent deals claiming to give you 80-90% off.  Here's how to avoid these JOANN online impersonators. Read more -> https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2025/05/avoid-online-joann-impersonators-and-their-fake-sales?utm_source=govdelivery

Getting calls from a debt collector? You have rights

Getting calls from a debt collector? You have rights By BCP Staff You get a call out of the blue. The caller insists you owe money and says you'll be arrested if you don't pay immediately. You have no idea what she's talking about. What do you do? Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2025/05/getting-calls-debt-collector-you-have-rights?utm_source=govdelivery

Getting calls from a debt collector? You have rights