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Mass Consumer Affairs Blog
The Official Blog of the Massachusetts Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation
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 …Continue Reading Fraud Alert: Unemployment Benefits & ID Theft
When something seems to be too good to be true, chances are that it is. So, if boxes of free stuff start showing up on your doorstep out of nowhere, be advised that you may be a victim of “brushing.” What is “brushing?” Brushing is …Continue Reading FRAUD ALERT: Brushing
While schools and businesses are closed and everyone is practicing social distancing in an attempt to curtail the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19), there is one group that is hard at work—scammers. Seeing an opportunity to take advantage in growing numbers, scammers are both resorting …Continue Reading Beware of Coronavirus Scams
Today marks the beginning of 23rd annual National Consumer Protection Week, a weeklong celebration of understanding consumer rights and making well-informed decisions about money championed by the Federal Trade Commissions’ (FTC). Educating consumers about fraud threats and other protection issues has become vital in recent …Continue Reading National Consumer Protection Week 2020
In recent years, robocalls have disturbed, cheated, and scammed constituents, stealing nearly $1 billion from consumers in 2018 alone. Scam callers may pose as various government agencies or other organizations requesting money, personal information and other data in hopes to steal from or harm the …Continue Reading The New Anti-Robocall Laws and How They Protect Consumers from High Volumes of Robocalls
Tips for Avoiding Tricks this Tax Season 20-25% percent of Americans will file their taxes about two weeks before the filing deadline. In Massachusetts, the deadline to file your taxes is April 17. Whether you’re preparing to file your taxes or planning to be one …Continue Reading Tips for Avoiding Tricks this Tax Season
Many of us have experienced that moment of panic upon learning that our personal or financial information has been compromised. Will the thieves use my financial information and drain my accounts? Will they use my identity to open new accounts and ruin my credit? …Continue Reading Protect your child’s identity and future: What you need to know about Child ID Theft
January 28th is national data privacy day, an important day to serve as a reminder to consumers to take steps to protect their data privacy online. Cybersecurity awareness is important because being vigilant can keep you and your information safe. Today, take some time to …Continue Reading National Data Privacy Day!
Recently, one of our staff members received an automated call from someone claiming to be with Apple support. The recording indicates that there has been suspicious activity on your cloud account and requests that you call back immediately using the phone number provided: 1-888-320-6849. When …Continue Reading Apple Scam Call
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2020