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Mass Consumer Affairs Blog
The Official Blog of the Massachusetts Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation
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
Communication is important in every facet of our lives in the best of times, and even more so in uncertain times like those we are facing today. As people around the world remain at home to prevent the spread of a global pandemic staying connected …Continue Reading Staying Connected
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
Cutting the cord has become a common phrase for consumers switching from traditional cable providers to internet and streaming television options. Traditional cable packages can cost anywhere from $50 to over $200 per month, making cable one of the higher monthly utilities in your home. …Continue Reading Save On Your Cable TV Bill!
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2020