July 2018  l Volume XXIX 

JULY IS MILITARY CONSUMER MONTH


  

July is Military Consumer Month and we're partnering with the Federal Trade Commission and the U.S. Department of Defense's Office of Financial Readiness to celebrate! Follow us on Twitter  @BBB_Institute throughout the month for articles and tips!

MILITARY FRAUD  &  SCAMS

Military Consumer Month 2018: Fight Imposter Scams
By Federal Trade Commission (FTC)

July is Military Consumer Month. This year we're focusing on fighting imposter scams--where a con artist pretends to be some you trust, to convince you to send money or personal information. The scam can take many forms: imposters may say they're calling from the government or from a business with technical support expertise. Other scammers lure unsuspecting victims by posing as legitimate users of online dating sites, or say that there's an emergency with a friend or family member.


Scam Alert: How a Work From Home Reshipping Scam is Fooling Job Seekers
By Better Business Bureau

You receive an email offering you a job at a shopping service. The company is hiring "agents" to package items and mail them overseas. The position reimburses "agents" for their expenses and pay a monthly stipend. It sounds like easy money, so you accept the job.

Avoiding Scams
By Military.com

State securities regulators released an annual list of the top 10 investment scams they are combating. While you may think you will never fall for these schemes, remember--the people who were conned didn't think they would be victims either.

Have Fun and Stay Safe this 4th of July!
By Better Business Bureau Serving Central California & Inland Empire Counties

Independence Day is coming up, and you can't celebrate properly without seeing a huge firework display, or lighting sparklers with friends, or family members. Fourth of July celebrations are always a fun occasion, but can easily take a wrong turn if the fireworks you bought were not what you expected or prepared for.

REPORT A SCAM

BBB SPOTLIGHT



Happy Independence Day!

The BBB Institute would like to wish all service members, veterans and their families a very  Happy Independence Day.
MILITARY CONSUMER MONTH SAVE THE DATES




FINANCIAL TIPS

Track Your Spending
By FINRA Investor Education Foundation

The first step to getting your finances on track is to know where your money is going. But that isn't always obvious: you may have a good handle on your monthly bills, but what about your daily expenses? You may be surprised by how much money you spend on small items--like food and transportation--when you add up your out-of-pocket costs.

 


On Your Side: Military Financial Support
By Military One Source

Service members and their families have access to substantial resources to save money and manage their expenses. Learn more about different military pay and compensation benefits and ways to save and protect your family's financial health with the following programs:
  • Basic Pay
  • Allowances
  • Special and Incentive Pays
  • Savings Deposit Program
  • Thrift Savings Plan
  • Free college and other benefits through the Post-9/11 GI Bill.
  • Low-cost life insurance
  • Low-cost loans

RESOURCES

Like what you see in this newsletter? Have any feedback? Please get in touch with us!



brings BBB consumer education and services to military personnel (including Reservists and National Guard), retirees, veterans, DoD civilians, and their families.