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If you believe you've been a victim of fraud or identity theft, contact us immediately.
Here you'll find multiple articles filled with tips about avoiding fraudulent schemes. You can learn now to identify common scams, red flags to spot in emails and many other tricks criminals use to defraud people.
Here you'll find multiple articles filled with tips about avoiding fraudulent schemes. You can learn now to identify common scams, red flags to spot in emails and many other tricks criminals use to defraud people.
Don't Hang On, Hang Up!
Scammers frequently employ illicit spoofing methods to conceal their identity when making calls, sending false information to your caller ID. They resort to various tactics, like using local area codes and numbers that appear familiar, or impersonating reputable entities you regularly interact with, such as local utilities or government agencies, all in an attempt to deceive you into answering their calls.
Here are some quick tips:
Don't trust the caller ID alone:
Caller ID information can be manipulated through spoofing. Even if the call appears from a familiar number or organization, it's not a guarantee of authenticity.
We will never ask for personal information like your full credit card number, PIN, password, etc.
Verify identities:
If the caller claims to represent a company or organization you're familiar with, ask for additional verification or call the company directly using a trusted phone number to confirm the legitimacy of the call.
If the caller claims to represent a company or organization you're familiar with, ask for additional verification or call the company directly using a trusted phone number to confirm the legitimacy of the call.
If you're unsure, we are calling you—feel free to hang up and call us directly at (800) 537-8491. Don't worry, if you hang up on our legitimate call, we know it's for your own protection.
Be skeptical of urgent requests:
Scammers often create a sense of urgency to pressure you into taking immediate action. Take your time to evaluate the situation and verify the legitimacy of the call before providing any information or making any payments.
Stay aware:
Stay informed about common scam tactics and be aware of the latest trends in spoofing and other fraudulent activities. Knowledge is your best defense against falling victim to scams.
Use call-blocking apps:
Consider using call-blocking apps or services that can help identify and block suspicious calls, including those using spoofing techniques.
Report suspicious activity:
If you receive a suspicious call, report it to the appropriate authorities, such as the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or your local consumer protection agency. This can help prevent others from falling victim to the same scam.
By BCP Staff
Tax season is approaching, and if you’re getting a refund, scammers are looking to steal it before you’ve had a chance to claim it. So, before you respond to a text or email about a “tax refund” — especially one that asks you to click a link — know that this could be a scam designed to get your personal information and steal your tax refund.
Read more >
Tax season is approaching, and if you’re getting a refund, scammers are looking to steal it before you’ve had a chance to claim it. So, before you respond to a text or email about a “tax refund” — especially one that asks you to click a link — know that this could be a scam designed to get your personal information and steal your tax refund.
Read more >
[Posted 1/23/26]
By BCP Staff
If there’s information on your credit report that’s correct but not so great, it can make it harder to get credit with good terms. But there are things you can do yourself for free to help fix your credit. Credit repair companies also charge to do the same things. Before you consider paying, though, know the rules these companies have to follow — rules dishonest companies and scammers often break.
Read more >
If there’s information on your credit report that’s correct but not so great, it can make it harder to get credit with good terms. But there are things you can do yourself for free to help fix your credit. Credit repair companies also charge to do the same things. Before you consider paying, though, know the rules these companies have to follow — rules dishonest companies and scammers often break.
Read more >
[Posted 1/7/26]
By BCP Staff
If you’re taking stock of your finances, setting goals, and preparing for a fresh start in 2026, make protecting yourself against identity theft part of your 2026 planning. Why? Identity thieves can drain your bank account, ruin your credit, and even block access to your health benefits and tax refund. On the bright side, there are ways to protect yourself. Identity Theft Awareness Week (IDTAW) is a great opportunity to learn more about getting started.
Read more >
If you’re taking stock of your finances, setting goals, and preparing for a fresh start in 2026, make protecting yourself against identity theft part of your 2026 planning. Why? Identity thieves can drain your bank account, ruin your credit, and even block access to your health benefits and tax refund. On the bright side, there are ways to protect yourself. Identity Theft Awareness Week (IDTAW) is a great opportunity to learn more about getting started.
Read more >
[Posted 1/2/26]
By National Cybersecurity Alliance
Data Privacy Week is an international effort to empower individuals and businesses to respect privacy, safeguard data and enable trust.
Read more >
Data Privacy Week is an international effort to empower individuals and businesses to respect privacy, safeguard data and enable trust.
Read more >
[Posted 12/30/25]
By National Cybersecurity Alliance
Gift cards make for easy, versatile gifts, especially during the busy holiday season. But they’re also prime targets for scammers who use "gift card draining" to steal funds before the recipient can even use the card. Let’s break down how these scams work and how you can stay safe.
Read more >
Gift cards make for easy, versatile gifts, especially during the busy holiday season. But they’re also prime targets for scammers who use "gift card draining" to steal funds before the recipient can even use the card. Let’s break down how these scams work and how you can stay safe.
Read more >
[Posted 12/17/25]
By National Cybersecurity Alliance
Scammers prey on your kindness and often take advantage of tragic disasters. Here’s how to donate safely and protect your money.
Read more >
Scammers prey on your kindness and often take advantage of tragic disasters. Here’s how to donate safely and protect your money.
Read more >
[Posted 12/3/25]
By U.S. Postal Inspection Service
The winter holidays are a time for everything nice. But criminals and their scams can cost you a hefty price. These Scrooges target consumers with phishing and smishing scams, and brushing and quishing schemes. And they can’t wait to take advantage of the giving spirit by stealing mail and packages.
Read more >
The winter holidays are a time for everything nice. But criminals and their scams can cost you a hefty price. These Scrooges target consumers with phishing and smishing scams, and brushing and quishing schemes. And they can’t wait to take advantage of the giving spirit by stealing mail and packages.
Read more >
[Posted 12/1/25]
By BCP Staff
Online safety starts with protecting your kids’ devices from hackers and scammers.
Here are some steps to keep kids safer while they’re on a phone, tablet, or laptop. Consider taking these steps on your kids’ behalf and, as they get older, teaching them how to secure their devices and build good online habits.
Read more >
Online safety starts with protecting your kids’ devices from hackers and scammers.
Here are some steps to keep kids safer while they’re on a phone, tablet, or laptop. Consider taking these steps on your kids’ behalf and, as they get older, teaching them how to secure their devices and build good online habits.
Read more >
[Posted 11/24/25]
By BCP Staff
You get an unexpected call with some bad news: your name is linked to serious crimes, and your money is at risk, says the voice on the line. The next thing you know, he connects you with an “agent” who can supposedly help you resolve the issue. Your heart and mind are racing. But your gut is telling you to talk to someone you trust — or to get off the phone and search the internet for advice. So why would a helpful “agent” warn you not to talk to anyone or tell you to stay off the internet until he can fix the problem? Probably because that “agent” is really a scammer.
Read more >
You get an unexpected call with some bad news: your name is linked to serious crimes, and your money is at risk, says the voice on the line. The next thing you know, he connects you with an “agent” who can supposedly help you resolve the issue. Your heart and mind are racing. But your gut is telling you to talk to someone you trust — or to get off the phone and search the internet for advice. So why would a helpful “agent” warn you not to talk to anyone or tell you to stay off the internet until he can fix the problem? Probably because that “agent” is really a scammer.
Read more >
[Posted 11/20/25]
By National Cybersecurity Alliance
Watch out for online shopping scams around the holiday season!
We want to help you protect your hard-earned cash from the scammers and hackers that pop up every year. It's like they don't care about the naughty list!
Read more >
Watch out for online shopping scams around the holiday season!
We want to help you protect your hard-earned cash from the scammers and hackers that pop up every year. It's like they don't care about the naughty list!
Read more >
[Posted 11/19/25]
Use this action plan to avoid scams
By Federal Trade Commission
Scammers tell lots of different stories to try to get your money or personal information. They might lie and say you owe the government money. Or pretend to be your bank and say your account’s been hacked. They might claim someone in your family had an emergency or that your computer has a virus. Or they might tell a different lie.
Read more >
By Federal Trade Commission
Scammers tell lots of different stories to try to get your money or personal information. They might lie and say you owe the government money. Or pretend to be your bank and say your account’s been hacked. They might claim someone in your family had an emergency or that your computer has a virus. Or they might tell a different lie.
Read more >
[Posted 11/18/25]
November 5, 2025
Being online today is now a daily routine for most of us, no matter your age.
[Posted 11/5/25]
By National Cybersecurity Alliance
November 5, 2025
Social Security scams are one of the most common and costly forms of fraud targeting Americans today.
[Posted 11/5/25]
By the Federal Trade Commission
October 29, 2025
There are lots of ways to protect your personal information and data from scammers. But what happens if your email or social media account gets hacked? Here are some quick steps to help you recover your email or social media account.
[Posted 11/5/25]
By National Cybersecurity Alliance
October 23, 2025
There are a lot of myths flying around about cybersecurity. We’ll go over the most common cybersecurity myths and debunk them so we can stay safer online.
[Posted 10/23/25]
By the Federal Trade Commission
September 30, 2025
Recognizing these common signs of a scam could help you avoid one.
[Posted 9/30/25]
By the National Cybersecurity Alliance
September 30, 2025
Passwords are the keys to safeguarding your digital and online life. They are your first line of defense. And knowing how to create and store strong passwords is one of the most critical aspects of everyday cybersecurity.
[Posted 9/30/25]
By BCP Staff
September 30, 2025
Every year, scammers get more active around the Medicare Open Enrollment Period, trying to get your money, information, or both. As you consider your health coverage and prescription options during this period (October 15-December 7), learn to spot the scams.
September 30, 2025
Every year, scammers get more active around the Medicare Open Enrollment Period, trying to get your money, information, or both. As you consider your health coverage and prescription options during this period (October 15-December 7), learn to spot the scams.
By BCP Staff
September 8, 2025
A voicemail from an unknown caller reminding you about a $52,000 loan that you didn’t apply for can throw you off balance. Which explains why scammers send them — hoping you’ll respond first and think later. You might already know how to spot phone scams, but in case you need a refresher, here’s how to spot this one.
September 8, 2025
A voicemail from an unknown caller reminding you about a $52,000 loan that you didn’t apply for can throw you off balance. Which explains why scammers send them — hoping you’ll respond first and think later. You might already know how to spot phone scams, but in case you need a refresher, here’s how to spot this one.
By the American Bankers Association
September 3, 2025
WASHINGTON — As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to evolve, so do the tactics of scammers who exploit this technology to deceive and defraud consumers.
September 3, 2025
WASHINGTON — As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to evolve, so do the tactics of scammers who exploit this technology to deceive and defraud consumers.
By BCP Staff
Do you feel like you’re getting more emails from strangers than messages from people you actually know? These unexpected messages are often phishing scams trying to steal your money and personal information.
By BCP Staff
August 11, 2025
While scrolling through social media, you might come across a video or post discussing an “opportunity” to make money using checks. The problem? That advice could get you in trouble.
August 11, 2025
While scrolling through social media, you might come across a video or post discussing an “opportunity” to make money using checks. The problem? That advice could get you in trouble.
By BCP Staff
August 7, 2025
Scammers posing as government agencies or well-known businesses are increasingly going after retirees’ life savings.
August 7, 2025
Scammers posing as government agencies or well-known businesses are increasingly going after retirees’ life savings.
By BCP Staff
August 4, 2025
Scammers are still pretending to be the police, calling to say you’ve missed jury duty and need to pay. But in a new twist, some scammers are now telling you to visit a website to enter your personal information — all so they can steal it and your money.
August 4, 2025
Scammers are still pretending to be the police, calling to say you’ve missed jury duty and need to pay. But in a new twist, some scammers are now telling you to visit a website to enter your personal information — all so they can steal it and your money.
By BCP Staff
July 28, 2025
Having a lot of debt can be stressful at any age. But if you’re retired or about to live on a fixed income, paying off debt can sometimes be more challenging.
July 28, 2025
Having a lot of debt can be stressful at any age. But if you’re retired or about to live on a fixed income, paying off debt can sometimes be more challenging.
By Kevin Williams
July 27, 2025
July 27, 2025
QR codes were once a quirky novelty that prompted a fun scan with the phone. Early on, you might have seen a QR code on a museum exhibit and scanned it to learn more about the eating habits of the woolly mammoth or military strategies of Genghis Khan.
By National Cybersecurity Alliance
Apr 21, 2025
While you can’t use the internet completely undetected, you can manage your digital footprint and protect your data privacy.
Apr 21, 2025
While you can’t use the internet completely undetected, you can manage your digital footprint and protect your data privacy.
By BCP Staff
June 10, 2025
When it comes to protecting your identity, you might think about keeping usernames to yourself, using strong passwords, and reviewing your statements.
June 10, 2025
When it comes to protecting your identity, you might think about keeping usernames to yourself, using strong passwords, and reviewing your statements.
By BCP Staff
June 23, 2025
If you want to use your driver’s license to fly, you’ll need a REAL ID. If you don’t have one yet, your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is the place to go, and they’re only taking in-person appointments. But people are telling the FTC that scammers are pretending to be the DMV or another government agency.
June 23, 2025
If you want to use your driver’s license to fly, you’ll need a REAL ID. If you don’t have one yet, your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is the place to go, and they’re only taking in-person appointments. But people are telling the FTC that scammers are pretending to be the DMV or another government agency.
By BCP Staff
June 6, 2025
Paying off student loan debt takes time. That’s why getting a call from someone who says they can help you get your loans forgiven now (for a fee) might sound appealing.
June 6, 2025
Paying off student loan debt takes time. That’s why getting a call from someone who says they can help you get your loans forgiven now (for a fee) might sound appealing.
Whether you're lounging on a beach or hiking through the mountains, these days, you probably stay connected during your trip.
From snapping vacation selfies to booking hotels on the go to discovering five-star restaurants, travel and tech go hand in hand.
By BCP Staff
May 19, 2025
Older adults may come from different backgrounds, but one thing they have in common is wisdom gained from life experience. This Older Americans Month, whatever your age, the FTC encourages you to share your wisdom about avoiding scams and fraud with the older adults in your life.
May 19, 2025
Older adults may come from different backgrounds, but one thing they have in common is wisdom gained from life experience. This Older Americans Month, whatever your age, the FTC encourages you to share your wisdom about avoiding scams and fraud with the older adults in your life.
"Phantom Hacker" Scams Target Senior Citizens and Result in Victims Losing Their Life Savings
Alert Number: I-091223-PSA
The FBI is warning the public of a recent nationwide increase in "Phantom Hacker" scams, significantly impacting senior citizens.
Cyber Criminals Impersonating Employee Self-Service Websites to Steal Victim Information and Funds
April 24, 2025
Alert Number: I-042425-PSA
April 24, 2025
Alert Number: I-042425-PSA
The FBI is warning the public that cyber criminals are targeting users of employee self-service websites owned by companies and government services.
April 18, 2025
Alert Number: I-041825-PSA
Alert Number: I-041825-PSA
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) warns the public about an ongoing fraud scheme where criminal scammers are impersonating FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) employees to deceive and defraud individuals.
By BCP Staff
April 10, 2025
Learn how to deal with ads that encourage kids to spend money — sometimes without your knowledge or approval.
April 10, 2025
Learn how to deal with ads that encourage kids to spend money — sometimes without your knowledge or approval.
PSA: Criminal Actors Steal US Taxpayer Identity to File False Tax Returns and Claim Refunds
April 2, 2025
Alert Number: I-040225-PSA
April 2, 2025
Alert Number: I-040225-PSA
The FBI is warning the public about criminal actors stealing US taxpayer identities to file false tax returns and fraudulently claim refunds.
By BCP Staff
April 3, 2025
April 3, 2025
Online search results can offer significant benefits to consumers, helping people find what they’re looking for. But online search results are also used by scammers to steer you in the wrong direction.
What is Multifactor Authentication (MFA) and Why Should You Use It?
What is MFA? Multi-factor authentication (MFA) adds another layer of protection—think of it like securing your front door with both a deadbolt and a keypad lock.
What is MFA? Multi-factor authentication (MFA) adds another layer of protection—think of it like securing your front door with both a deadbolt and a keypad lock.
What Is Phishing and How To Avoid It
What is Phishing?
What is Phishing?
Keeping your information private is a challenge, and in many cases, you might not have a choice. But there are tech tools now available that are in your corner.
Scammers tell all kinds of stories to try to get your money or information.
National Slam the Scam Day
March 6, 2025
March 6, 2025
On National Slam the Scam Day and throughout the year, recognize Social Security-related scams and stop scammers from stealing your money and personal information.
Tax season brings enough stress without adding scammers to the mix.
Essential cybersecurity tips for tax season
Here's our top tip for tax time cybersecurity: file your taxes as soon as possible. Filing quickly reduces the risk of tax fraud.
Online scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated, targeting people of all ages. But with some knowledge, you can protect yourself and your loved ones.
Scammers stay scamming
Preventing a scam is easier than getting money back after a scam. Here’s a quick guide to some of the most common scams out there today.
After extreme weather and disasters like hurricanes, wildfires, and tornadoes, you might need to quickly hire someone for rebuilding or repairs.
You want your donations to count, so it’s important to do some research before giving to a charity. Here are some things you can do to learn more about a charity and avoid donating to a scam.
If it’s not scammers spamming your phone with texts or filling up your inbox with emails, it’s your mailbox crammed with ads and other mail you didn’t ask for.
By Andrew Rayo, Consumer Education Specialist, FTC
January 17, 2025
Whether you’ve driven through a toll recently or not, you might’ve gotten a text saying you owe money for unpaid tolls. It’s probably a scam.
January 17, 2025
Whether you’ve driven through a toll recently or not, you might’ve gotten a text saying you owe money for unpaid tolls. It’s probably a scam.
Data Privacy Week
January 27 – 31, 2025
January 27 – 31, 2025
You have the power to take charge of your data. This is why we are excited to celebrate Data Privacy Week 2025.
You can be a target of credit card skimming when you least expect it. One moment, you might be filling up on gas or withdrawing some cash from an ATM.
