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Consumer Alert

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

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.
Consumer Alert

How to avoid travel website scams

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.
Consumer Alert

Using your GI Bill for college this fall? Get real help and avoid scams

BCP Staff
Are you hanging up the dog tags to start college this fall? Not all schools tell the whole truth about how your GI Bill benefits will cover your tuition and fees. Learn where to get real answers and make sure your GI Bill benefits don’t get wasted by mistake.
Consumer Alert

Scammers posing as SPCA and animal welfare staff

BCP Staff
Are you the parent of a fur baby? Then you know how tough it is when your cat, dog, or other adorable pet is sick, in pain, or injured. You’d do anything for them. Scammers are using that feeling to steal your hard-earned money.
Consumer Alert

College students: Avoid scammers while you job hunt

BCP Staff
Whether you’re a college student looking for full time or summer work, having a job lined up is a great feeling. What’s not so great? All those scammers hitting you up with fake job opportunities online and on your phone. So, how can you spot and avoid job scams?
Consumer Alert

Student loan scammers won’t offer relief

BCP Staff
Paying off student loan debt takes time. That’s why getting a call from someone who says they can help you get your loans forgiven now (for a fee) might sound appealing. Is it really relief or just a scam?
Consumer Alert

Protect yourself from phishing scams

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.
Consumer Alert

Can you spot an investment scam on social media?

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.
Consumer Alert

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

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?
Consumer Alert

Let’s talk about scams this Older Americans Month

BCP Staff
Older adults may come from different backgrounds, but one thing they have in common is wisdom gained from life experience. This Older Americans Month, whatever your age, the FTC encourages you to share your wisdom about avoiding scams and fraud with the older adults in your life.
Consumer Alert

Avoid online JOANN impersonators and their fake sales

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.
Consumer Alert

Getting calls from a debt collector? You have rights

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?
Consumer Alert

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

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.
Consumer Alert

Is that unexpected text a scam?

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.
Consumer Alert

Seemingly urgent security messages could lead to tech support scams

BCP Staff
You’re online and get a message or pop-up alerting you to a problem with your computer. The message might even say or suggest it’s from Microsoft, Apple, or Geek Squad. Should you click immediately to see what it’s about? No, and here’s why.
Consumer Alert

Protect yourself (and your money) from scammers this Financial Literacy Month

BCP Staff
All year long, scammers are looking for ways to steal your hard-earned money. FTC data shows people reported losing $12.5 billion to scams in 2024, which is up $2.5 billion from 2023. April is Financial Literacy Month: a great time to check out the free resources at consumer.gov to help manage your money while protecting it from scammers.
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