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

Think that text message is from USPS? It could be a scam

Think that text message is from USPS? It could be a scam By BCP Staff Have you ever gotten a text message about a package coming via the United States Postal Service? Maybe it confirmed your order, said a package is out for delivery, or said there's a problem like unpaid postage, a missed delivery, or you need to update your shipping preferences.  That text message will say to click a link to learn more or fix the problem. But there's a good chance that text message that says it's from USPS (or FedEx…or DHL…) is really from a scammer. Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2025/04/think-text-message-usps-it-could-be-scam?utm_source=govdelivery

Is that unexpected text a scam?

Is that unexpected text a scam? By BCP Staff Did you know that people almost always open text messages? In a new Data Spotlight about the big jump in reported fraud losses involving text scams, the FTC notes a study finding open rates can be as high as 98%. Those are really good odds for a scammer. And when scammers get you to respond to their messages, they're cashing in. Here's how you can increase your chances of keeping your money safe. Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2025/04/unexpected-text-scam

Recovering after weather emergencies from the South to the Great Lakes

Recovering after weather emergencies from the South to the Great Lakes By BCP Staff Recovering from the storms that brought deadly tornados and severe flooding from the South to the Midwest will take time and patience.  If you've been displaced by a weather emergency, or your home or business was damaged, you're probably trying to figure out what to do next.  Here are some ideas to help you get started. Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2025/04/recovering-after-weather-emergencies-south-great-lakes

Recovering after weather emergencies from the South to the Great Lakes

Online search results: The good, the bad, and the scammy

Online search results: The good, the bad, and the scammy By BCP Staff Online search results can offer significant benefits to consumers, helping people find what they're looking for. But online search results are also used by scammers to steer you in the wrong direction. Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2025/04/online-search-results-good-bad-and-scammy?utm_source=govdelivery

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Online search results: The good, the bad, and the scammy

Don’t pay to get your Employer Identification Number (EIN)

Don't pay to get your Employer Identification Number (EIN) By BCP staff Have you ever paid for something and later found out you could have gotten it for free? It might make you wish someone had told you it was free — before you paid. That's what a lot of people have reported to the FTC about companies charging them hundreds of dollars to get their Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS. But there's no reason to pay anyone for your EIN. The IRS issues EINs for free. Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2025/04/dont-pay-get-your-employer-identification-number-ein?      https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2025/04/dont-pay-get-your-employer-identification-number-ein?

Getting the word out about FTC imposter scams

Getting the word out about FTC imposter scams By BCP Staff Using old tactics and new twists, scammers are impersonating government agencies, including the FTC, to try to steal people's personal information and money.  The FTC is committed to combatting these imposter scams, and there's encouraging news these efforts are making a difference to American consumers. Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2025/03/getting-word-out-about-ftc-imposter-scams?

Getting the word out about FTC imposter scams

What are the signs of a scam?

What are the signs of a scam? By BCP Staff Though the details might change, scams usually have some things in common. And knowing what they are can help you recognize — and then avoid — scams that come your way. Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2025/03/what-are-signs-scam?

What are the signs of a scam?

MassDOT Alerts Customers of Smishing Scam

Dear EZDriveMA Customer,

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) was alerted that a text message-based scam, also known as smishing, is fraudulently claiming to represent tolling agencies from across the country. The scammers are claiming to represent the tolling agency and requesting payment for unpaid tolls.

MassDOT urges customers to be cautious about email, text, and phone scams demanding payment of outstanding toll balances. Some attempts have been made to trick customers into sharing credit card numbers and other sensitive information by directing them to a website to pay their outstanding balances. MassDOT strongly encourages customers not to click the link contained in those messages.

Please Note: The targeted phone numbers seem to be chosen at random and are not uniquely associated with an account or usage of toll roads.

Customers who receive an unsolicited text, email, or similar message suggesting it is from EZDriveMA or another toll agency should not click on the link.

EZDriveMA customers can verify a valid text notification in several ways:

        •       EZDriveMA will never send invoices by text
        •       EZDriveMA will never request payment by text
        •       All links associated with EZDriveMA will include www.EZDriveMA.com

This smishing scam is part of a series of smishing scams that the FBI is aware of:
https://www.ic3.gov/PSA/2024/PSA240412

The FBI recommends individuals that receive the fraudulent messages do the following:

1. File a complaint with the IC3, https://www.ic3.gov/, be sure to include:
        •       The phone number from where the text originated.
        •       The website listed within the text

2. Check your account using the toll service's legitimate website.

3. Contact the toll service's customer service phone number.

4. Delete any smishing texts received.

MassDOT Alerts Customers of Smishing Scam

5. If you clicked any link or provided your information, take efforts to secure your personal information and financial accounts. Dispute any unfamiliar charges.

We encourage all customers to stay alert to these types of scams and to contact us at https://www.ezdrivema.com/ with any questions about EZDriveMA notifications.

Dirty Dozen tax scams for 2025: IRS warns taxpayers to watch out for dangerous threats

The Internal Revenue Service today (02/27/25) announced its annual Dirty Dozen list of tax scams for 2025 with a warning for taxpayers, businesses and tax professionals to watch out for common schemes that threaten their tax and financial information.

Dirty Dozen tax scams for 2025

Ranging from email schemes to misleading tax credits, many of the Dirty Dozen items peak during filing season as people prepare their tax returns. In reality, these scams can occur throughout the year as fraudsters look for ways to steal money, personal information and data.

The IRS' annual Dirty Dozen campaign lists 12 scams and schemes that threaten taxpayers. While the Dirty Dozen is not a legal document or a formal listing of agency enforcement priorities, the education effort is designed to raise awareness and protect taxpayers and tax pros from common tax scams and schemes.

“Scammers are relentless, and they use the guise of tax season to try tricking taxpayers into falling into a variety of traps. These red flags can lead to everything from identity theft to being misled into claiming tax credits for which they’re not entitled,” said Terry Lemons, IRS communications senior adviser. “For more than two decades, the IRS has highlighted the Dirty Dozen through far-reaching communications and education campaigns as part of a wider effort by the agency to protect taxpayers from being scammed.”

Continue reading about the "Dirty Dozen" at the IRS page ->

https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/dirty-dozen-tax-scams-for-2025-irs-warns-taxpayers-to-watch-out-for-dangerous-threats