Consumer Advice

Take action

The Latest in Consumer Advice

Articles

Identity Theft and Online Security

Article

Youville

April 7, 2025

Youville is a free, downloadable, standards-based, in-class educational program. It’s designed to help kids ages 8-12 develop and apply analytical skills through a series of fun and challenging activities.

Identity Theft and Online Security

Article

Kids and Video Games

January 16, 2025

Chances are the kids in your life play, or want to play, video games, including games in immersive spaces like virtual or augmented reality. Game ratings and reviews, parental controls, and other tools are available to help you learn more and talk about video games with the kids in your life.

Credit, Loans, and Debt

Article

Comparing Credit, Charge, Secured Credit, Debit, or Prepaid Cards

January 2, 2025

Different types of payment cards work in different ways. When you’re deciding which kind of card is right for you, consider how each card works, what fees you might have to pay, and what legal protections each type of card offers.

Consumer Alerts

Unwanted Calls, Emails, and Texts

Consumer Alert

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

BCP Staff

April 23, 2025

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.

Identity Theft and Online Security

Consumer Alert

How to use parental controls to keep your kid safer online

BCP Staff

April 22, 2025

Talking with your kids about your family’s rules and expectations is key to helping them establish good online habits. Some parents use parental controls to reinforce those good habits — and create safer online spaces for their kids to learn and play.

Unwanted Calls, Emails, and Texts

Consumer Alert

Is that unexpected text a scam?

BCP Staff

April 16, 2025

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.