Got a text about unpaid tolls? It’s probably a scam

Got a text about unpaid tolls? It's probably a scam By Andrew Rayo Whether you've driven through a toll recently or not, you might've gotten a text saying you owe money for unpaid tolls. It's probably a scam.  Scammers are pretending to be tolling agencies from coast to coast and sending texts demanding money. Learn how the scam works so you can avoid it. Read more -> https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2025/01/got-text-about-unpaid-tolls-its-probably-scam? MassDOT sent a specific alert to EasyDrive users earlier this week https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/01/massdot-alerts-customers-of-smishing.html Got a text about unpaid tolls? It’s probably a scam

Stay ahead of scammers in 2025

Stay ahead of scammers in 2025 By Gema de las Heras With scammers targeting our entire life savings with their schemes, we all need to be alert and know how to detect their latest tricks.  Something as simple as talking about scams you know about is a great way to help you and your community stay protected.  And being part of this solution doesn't require training or a lot of time! Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2024/12/stay-ahead-scammers-2025?

Stay ahead of scammers in 2025

Looking for a remote job for a cause you care about? Here’s how to know if it’s a scam

"If you’re looking for a remote job, you might be interested in companies that support a cause. But scammers know that and use your interest to draw you in. If, for example, you’re an LGBTQ+ person or ally, a job that says you can “help LGBTQ+ people in need from the comfort of your own home” might sound great. But what happens if you take that next step?

Based on reports to the FTC, that LGBTQ+ non-profit looking to “hire fast” could be using common interest to build trust with you. If you’re invested in their cause, they hope you’ll be more willing to give personal information before they’ve told you anything about the job. Or you’ll be willing to deposit that check they sent you for “equipment costs” — and send some of the money on to someone else, or back to them. (These are both big signs of a scam.)"

Continue reading about this scam alert from the FTC ->   https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2023/09/looking-remote-job-cause-you-care-about-heres-how-know-if-its-scam

Looking for a remote job for a cause you care about? Here’s how to know if it’s a scam

How to save money on utilities this winter and avoid scams

How to save money on utilities this winter and avoid scams By Colleen Tressler When temperatures drop, it often costs more to stay comfortable in your home — and scammers know that. This alert is the first in a series to help you get your home ready for winter, save money, and avoid fraud.  Read more ->  https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2022/09/how-save-money-utilities-winter-and-avoid-scams

How to save money on utilities this winter and avoid scams

FTC Consumer Alert: Unwanted calls: Just block ’em and report ’em

Unwanted calls: Just block 'em and report 'em by Jim Kreidler Consumer Education Specialist, FTC Unwanted calls are annoying. They can feel like a constant interruption — and many are from scammers. Unfortunately, technology makes it easy for scammers to make millions of calls a day. So this week, as part of Older Americans Month, we're talking about how to block unwanted calls — for yourself, and for your friends and family. Read more >  https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2021/05/unwanted-calls-just-block-em-and-report-em

FTS Consumer Alert: Unwanted calls: Just block ’em and report ’em

 

Phone scams keep calling

"A Globe colleague recently got two unsettling calls on his mobile phone from the same “888″ number.

He received the first call a couple of weeks ago from someone who said he was from Eversource (spoiler alert: he wasn’t) and that the electricity to his house would be turned off in “40 to 45 minutes” because his account was overdue.

“Are you really from Eversource?” my colleague asked, more a statement than a question.

The caller quickly hung up."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required) 

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/03/28/business/phone-scams-keep-coming-here-are-tips-how-avoid-them/

Additional information from the Federal Trade Commission can be found here

https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/taxonomy/term/874

A person uses a credit card for a phone purchase.ADOBE STOCK

FTC Consumer Alert: Target for new COVID scam: Small business owners

Target for new COVID scam: Small business owners by Lesley Fair, Attorney, Division of Consumer and Business Education, FTC There's a new coronavirus-related scam making the rounds, but this time the crooks are targeting small businesses. It starts with an email that claims to come from the "Small Business Administration Office of Disaster Assistance." It says you're eligible for a loan of up to $250,000 and asks for personal information like birth date and Social Security number.  Let's do a CSI-style investigation to spot clues that the email is a fake. Read more  https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2021/01/target-new-covid-scam-small-business-owners?utm_source=govdelivery  This is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission.

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FTC Consumer Alert: New tools to fight gift card scams

New tools to fight gift card scams by Cristina Miranda Division of Consumer and Business Education, FTC This holiday season (and year-round), gift cards are on scammers' wish lists. Scammers always have a reason for you to pay them immediately with a gift card. And they often tell you which card to buy and which store to visit. That's why the FTC is launching a new Stop Gift Card Scams campaign to work with stores and law enforcement to fight these scams. And it's also why the FTC has taken another look at reporting data to see what's happening lately. Read more >  https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2020/12/new-tools-fight-gift-card-scams?utm_source=govdelivery This is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission.

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National Tax Security Awareness Week, Day 4: Security Summit urges businesses to tighten security, offers new protections against identity theft

The Internal Revenue Service, state tax agencies and the tax industry urged businesses to be on guard as thieves try to use their stolen names and data to file fraudulent tax returns.

The partners, operating cooperatively as the Security Summit (https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/security-summit) to fight identity theft, marked the fourth day of National Tax Security Awareness Week with a warning to businesses to enact the strongest measures possible to protect their data and systems. The IRS also is planning additional steps to help businesses combat cybercriminals trying to steal their data.

“As the IRS and our partners have strengthened our security standards, identity thieves have looked for new ways to find sources of information, and businesses need to stay alert,” said IRS Commissioner Charles Rettig. “Businesses, just like individuals, can be victims of identity theft. Thieves may steal enough information to file a business tax return for refund or use other scams using the company’s identity.”

More than 70% of cyberattacks are aimed at businesses with 100 or fewer employees. Thieves may be targeting credit card information, the business identity information or employee identity information.

Business are encouraged to follow best practices from the Federal Trade Commission include:
 -   Set your security software to update automatically
 -  Back up important files
 -   Require strong passwords for all devices
 -   Encrypt devices
 -   Use multi-factor authentication

More information is available at FTC’s Cybersecurity for Small Businesses (https://www.ftc.gov/tips-advice/business-center/small-businesses/cybersecurity).

Businesses should especially be alert to any COVID-19 or tax-related phishing email scams that attempt to trick employees into opening embedded links or attachments. IRS related scams may be sent to phishing@irs.gov.

Starting Dec. 13, 2020, the IRS will begin masking sensitive information from business tax transcripts, the summary of corporate tax returns, to help prevent thieves from obtaining identifiable information that would allow them to file fake business tax returns.

Only financial entries will be fully visible. All other information will have varying masking rules. For example, only the first four letters of each first and last name – of individuals and businesses – will display. Only the last four digits of the Employer Identification Number will be visible.

The IRS also has publicly launched the Form 14039-B, Business Identity Theft Affidavit (https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f14039b.pdf), that will allow companies to proactively report possible identity theft to the IRS when, for example, the e-filed tax return is rejected.

Businesses should file the Form 14039-B if it receives a:
 -   Rejection notice for an electronically filed return because a return already is on file for that same period.
 -   Notice about a tax return that the entity didn't file.
 -   Notice about Forms W-2 filed with the Social Security Administration that the entity didn't file.
 -   Notice of a balance due that is not owed.

This form will enable the IRS to respond to the business much faster than in the past and work to resolve issues created by a fraudulent tax return. Businesses should not use the form if they experience a data breach but see no tax-related impact. For more information, see Identity Theft Central’s Business section (https://www.irs.gov/identity-theft-central).

Although the tax scams can come and go, all employers should remain alert to Form W-2 theft schemes. In the most common version, a thief poses as a high-ranking company executive who emails payroll employees and asks for a list of employees and their W-2s. Businesses often don’t know they’ve been scammed until a fraudulent return shows up in employees’ names.

There is a special reporting procedure for employers who experience the W-2 scam. It also may be found at Identity Theft Central’s Business section (https://www.irs.gov/identity-theft-central).

Finally, Security Summit partners urge businesses to keep their EIN application information current. Changes of address or responsible party may be reported using Form 8822-B (https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-8822-b).

 

Reminder: Changes in the responsible party must be reported to the IRS within 60 days. Current information can help the IRS find a point of contact to resolve identity theft and other issues.

The IRS, state tax agencies, the private sector tax industry, including tax professionals, work in partnership as the Security Summit to help protect taxpayers from identity theft and refund fraud. This is the third in a week-long series of tips to raise awareness about identity theft. See IRS.gov/securitysummit for more details. 

 

 IRS YouTube Video:  https://youtu.be/ELzTL6hQKQc   New Security Measures Help Protect Against Tax-Related Identity Theft 

FTC Consumer Alert: Giving wisely in the time of COVID

Giving wisely in the time of COVID by Rosario Méndez, Attorney, Division of Consumer and Business Education, FTC Thanks to COVID-19, many charitable organizations are faced with greater demand for their services, but less in donations as people have less to give. Now, more than ever, it's important to make sure that your donation will be used wisely and well. Tomorrow is Giving Tuesday, and as you consider new places to send your donations, now and throughout the holiday season, don't forget these four tips for giving wisely: Read more >  https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2020/11/giving-wisely-time-covid This is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission.

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MA Consumer Affairs: "Fraud Alert: Unemployment Benefits & ID Theft"

 

"Driven by the economic downturn brought on by pandemic related restrictions, unemployment across the U.S. is at a historic high. While national and local averages slowly decline across the country, unemployment fraud is on the rise.

For many the unemployment benefit is a lifeline. Unfortunately, for some bad actors it is an opportunity. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), unemployment fraud is up significantly and there is suspicion that the culprits are based overseas. Officials say the fraud is affecting tens of thousands of Americans, slowing the delivery of benefits to those in need, and costing states hundreds of millions of dollars.

Whether you have lost your job, or not, you could be a victim of identity theft related to this unemployment scam. Authorities report that criminals are filing for unemployment benefits online using stolen information of people who have not lost their jobs. Stolen identities can be bought online, or obtained from data breaches, email phishing schemes, or from physical theft. Fraudsters also exploit public websites and social media accounts. Many victims are unaware of the identity theft unless they are notified by a state agency, the IRS, or their employer that a claim has been filed in their name."

Continue reading the article online http://blog.mass.gov/consumer/massconsumer/fraud-alert-unemployment-benefits-id-theft/

The Federal Trade Commission has a similar article  https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/blogs/business-blog/2020/06/unemployment-benefits-fraud-puts-workers-risk-more-id-theft

 

 

FTC Consumer Alert: Holiday shopping season 2020

Holiday shopping season 2020 by Shameka Walker Attorney, Division of Consumer & Business Education, FTC The holiday season is upon us and retailers are already preparing for what they hope will be a successful shopping season. Because of COVID-19, it's likely that we'll be going online to look for those perfect gifts. With so many deals around and what seem like eternal "Black Friday" sales, it's important to keep some online shopping tips in mind. Read more >  https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2020/11/holiday-shopping-season-2020 This is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission.

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FTC Consumer Alert: If you have federal student loans, read this

If you have federal student loans, read this by Ari Lazarus Consumer Education Specialist, FTC A few months ago, we told you that the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act gave some flexibility to federal student loan borrowers. Understanding these options can help you make more informed decisions about paying your bills and prioritizing your debts. These benefits have been extended until December 31, 2020. Read more https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2020/09/if-you-have-federal-student-loans-read?utm_source=govdelivery This is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission.

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FTC Consumer Alert: How can you spot a tech support scam

How can you spot a tech support scam by Traci Armani, Consumer Education Specialist, Division of Consumer & Business Education Are you getting pop-up warning messages on your computer screen? Or maybe a phone call that your computer has a virus?  That may well be a tech support scam. But how do you know? And what do you do? Read more > https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2020/09/how-can-you-spot-tech-support-scam?utm_source=govdelivery This is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission.

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FTC Consumer Alert: A real or fake savings club?

A real or fake savings club? by Karen Hobbs, Assistant Director, Division of Consumer and Business Education, FTC Imitation is the greatest form of flattery. It's also the greatest form of "scammery." That's why scammers are imitating a type of informal savings club known as a "sou sou" or "susu" to trick people into joining what amounts to an illegal pyramid scheme. Read more https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2020/08/real-or-fake-savings-club? This is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission.

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FTC Alert: Utility company calling? Don’t fall for it.

Utility company calling? Don't fall for it. by Jim Kreidler, Consumer Education Specialist, FTC Every day, millions of people who have lost their jobs are making difficult choices about how to pay their bills. As the Coronavirus continues to spread, scammers are taking advantage of people's heightened economic anxiety.  Their latest ploy is posing as representatives from utility companies to dupe people out of their cash and personal information by convincing them their utilities will be shut off if they don't pay. Read more https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2020/07/utility-company-calling-dont-fall-it?utm_source=govdelivery This is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission.

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FTC Consumer Alert: Donating in difficult times

Donating in difficult times by Jennifer Leach, Associate Director, Division of Consumer and Business Education, FTC These days, there are just so many reasons why people want to do to something to help, to make a difference, to take action. In addition to volunteering or putting their feet to the pavement, lots of people are putting their hands in their wallets to try to make an impact.  Once again, though, scammers will be there. As ever, they follow the headlines and pop up wherever there's money to be made. So, before you make a donation to support any cause, here are a few things to think about and do. Read more https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2020/06/donating-difficult-times?utm_source=govdelivery  This is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission.

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FTC Consumer Alert: Don’t click links in unsolicited text messages

Don't click links in unsolicited text messages by Rosario Méndez, Attorney, Division of Consumer and Business Education, FTC You might be seeing text messages promising money – maybe the economic impact payments, loans for small businesses, or an offer for money you can get.  In fact, I recently saw a WhatsApp text message in Spanish that advertised money for people quarantined at home. If you've spotted messages like this, I hope you've also deleted them.  These text messages going around could lead you to a scam or a hacker, but not to anything helpful. Read more  https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2020/04/dont-click-links-unsolicited-text-messages  This is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission.

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FTC Consumer Alert: Isoprex misleads seniors

Isoprex misleads seniors by Lisa Weintraub Schifferle, Attorney, FTC, Division of Consumer and Business Education "Isoprex Slashes Pain in 5 Days – Naturally!" "Walking without a Cane!" "Clinically Proven!" "Relieves painful swelling in 100% of even the worst cases."  These claims are false or misleading, according to the FTC's complaint against Isoprex's distributor, Renaissance Health Publishing, Inc. Read more https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2020/04/isoprex-misleads-seniors? This is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission.

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FTC Consumer Alert: Isoprex misleads seniors

FTC Consumer Alert: COVID-19 scam reports, by the numbers

COVID-19 scam reports, by the numbers by Paul Witt, Lead Data Analyst, Division of Consumer Response & Operations If you're a regular reader of this blog — or of the news, you know that scammers are out in force, taking advantage of all aspects of the Coronavirus pandemic. We've spotted plenty of bogus cures and treatments, but many of you have told the FTC about straight-up scams, like texts/emails/calls from a "government agency" promising to get your relief money for you.  Others have told us about things that could be scams (or could be businesses catching up with the new reality) — like websites that promise scarce cleaning products or masks (that never arrive), or problems related to getting money back for cancelled travel plans. Read more https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2020/04/covid-19-scam-reports-numbers This is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission.

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FTC Consumer Alert: COVID-19 scam reports, by the numbers