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The Official Blog of the Massachusetts Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation
The Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) have sent millions of Americans a second round of stimulus payments this month. As checks roll out, scammers are working to defraud consumers of these funds. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reports that consumers lost over $200 million to COVID-19 …Continue Reading Fraud Alert: Stimulus Check Scams
If you are a small business owner who has been negatively impacted by the pandemic, more assistance is available through the Commonwealth’s COVID-19 Small Business Grant Program. Funds of close to $700 million dollars will be distributed by Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation (MGCC) to those …Continue Reading Sector Specific Relief Grants Available for Small Businesses
The pandemic has forced consumers to shop online with increasing frequency. However, when buying virtually, things are not always as they seem. Unlike when you enter a brick and mortar store, when you shop online– even with brands you know and trust– you are not …Continue Reading Shopping Series 2020: Third Party Vendors
Black Friday and Cyber Monday are days away. And, the countdown to Christmas, Hanukah, and Kwanza is on. Are you ready to shop this holiday season? As you make your shopping list and check it twice, you will likely find yourself buying more things online …Continue Reading Shopping Series 2020: Online Shopping
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
Nobody likes getting debt collection calls. But have you ever gotten one for a debt you already paid — or you know isn’t yours? Or have you been threatened and harassed by a debt collector until you paid up? If so, we want you to …Continue Reading Have you gotten a collection call about a debt you don’t recognize?
Living alone can be isolating which is why the Department of Telecommunications wants you to know, no matter your income, there are ways for you to have a home phone, cell phone, or internet plan. A service called Lifeline is available to keep you connected …Continue Reading Lifeline Awareness Week – September 14-18, 2020
Intended as a lifeline to all Americans amidst the pandemic crisis facing our nation and the world, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was passed by Congress with overwhelming, bipartisan support and signed into law by the president on March 27th, …Continue Reading Massachusetts Banks and Credit Unions Deliver on Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Promise
On March 25th President Donald Trump signed a $2.2 trillion coronavirus stimulus package which included an emergency universal income payment of $1,200 for most Americans who earn under $75,000 a year. The IRS will make prorated payments to those making up to $99,000 a year. …Continue Reading Show Me the Money
If layoffs, furloughs, and continued economic uncertainty have you concerned about keeping afloat during the global pandemic, the financial lifeline you need may be easier to obtain than you think. Banks, credit unions, mortgage servicers, and other financial industry professionals recognize the financial impact of …Continue Reading Relief for the Weary: Financial Institutions Make Accommodations Amid COVID-19 Emergency
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2021