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Mass Consumer Affairs Blog
The Official Blog of the Massachusetts Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation
We’ve all seen the ads for weight-loss pills and other dietary supplements online, in our favorite magazines, and in television commercials. But what do consumers really know about this market? After a recent investigation by Consumer Reports into the supplement market, we put together some tips consumers should keep in mind.
The Massachusetts Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation compiles publicly-available scam, identity theft, and fraud complaints from around the Commonwealth via police logs and news outlets, as well as through the Office’s Consumer Information Hotline.
Massachusetts consumers looking to renew a license or schedule a road test online through the Registry of Motor Vehicles may come across unofficial third-party websites, or “mimic sites.” Do NOT be fooled! These services have no affiliation with the RMV, regardless of how real they may seem.
Food festivals. Wine and Beer festivals. Music festivals. Art festivals. There is no shortage of ways for consumers to partake in a favorite activity this summer. However, scammers have begun to take advantage of individuals wishing to attend a festival by creating phony websites and “selling” tickets to events that don’t actually exist.
Legislation passed by Congress and signed into law in 2015 requires the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to begin the process of issuing new Medicare cards that do not display Social Security numbers. The law requires HHS to issue modernized cards …Continue Reading Federal Government Phasing-Out Social Security Numbers on Medicare Cards
The Office of Consumer Affairs & Business Regulation along with The Department of Public Utilities would like to inform consumers of a phone scam that is affecting Massachusetts residents. Residents are receiving calls from a business that is claiming to be a solar developer, …Continue Reading Department of Public Utilities phone scam circulating in MA
Data Privacy Series: Spoofing Your bank emails you stating that a large, unauthorized charge had just been made to your account and asks you to verify your identity by providing your account number. Do you respond? Or say a site like PayPal emails you indicating …Continue Reading Data Privacy Series: Spoofing
The Massachusetts Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation has partnered with law enforcement and security experts to present an overview of cyber threats to businesses and corporations in Massachusetts. This conference will provide business executives with a practical learning experience and resources to …Continue Reading Executive Leadership on Cybersecurity
With the Federal Reserve Bank expected to increase interest rates, many homeowners are considering refinancing their home. Scammers are taking advantage of this by offering cheap interest rates that require an upfront fee. They are also targeting homeowners who may be late on their mortgage …Continue Reading Home Refinancing Scam
Recently, the Hotline received three calls about this scam in just one week, so it is important for consumers to know how it works and how to avoid being scammed.
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2016