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Staying connected has taken on a whole new meaning due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The orders to shelter in place over the past year have created a surge in our digital landscape. This transition happened quickly and caused some to be left behind as work, …Continue Reading The Federal Communications Commission Offers New Emergency Broadband Benefit
Balancing a checkbook, making sure your expenses can be covered with your income, and saving for a rainy day emergency are all examples of financial literacy, or the ability to understand and effectively manage your personal finances. April is National Financial Literacy Month, a time …Continue Reading Financial Literacy Month 2021
Tax Day is quickly approaching, and this year more Americans are planning on filing their taxes online, according to McAfee’s 2021 Consumer Security Mindset Report. Filing taxes electronically is a more convenient and efficient process but may open you up to scammers hoping to steal …Continue Reading Protect Yourself Against Scams this Tax Season
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
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2021