Erie County Division of Consumer Protection

09/14/2026

🚨 Protect yourself from student loan scams! 🚨
Scammers Take Advantage of Changes to Federal Student Loan Programs

👉Offers that promise to help with your loans for a fee can be misleading.
👉Don't fall for unsolicited calls, emails, or ads promising quick loan forgiveness. If it sounds too good to be true, it likely is!

For more tips, check out the NYS AG's consumer alert⤵
https://ag.ny.gov/press-release/2026/attorney-general-james-warns-new-yorkers-about-student-loan-scams

09/03/2026

Protect your benefits from theft by freezing your card! SNAP and Public Assistance recipients can quickly and easily freeze their EBT card using the ebtEDGE mobile app.
Learn more about EBT scams, visit: http://otda.ny.gov/EBTscam

09/02/2026

SCAM ALERT: DID A PACKAGE SHOW UP THAT YOU NEVER ORDERED?

It could be a “brushing scam.”
In these scams, sellers or scammers send inexpensive merchandise to people who never ordered it, then use the recipient’s name or information to create fake positive reviews. An unexpected package can also be a sign that some of your personal information has been exposed.
The New York State Sheriffs’ Association reminds you:

• Don’t scan QR codes or follow instructions included with an unexpected package.
• Don’t call phone numbers or visit websites listed in the package unless you verify them independently.
• Check your shopping and financial accounts for purchases you don’t recognize.
• Change passwords if you think an account may have been compromised.
• If the package is addressed to someone else, don’t assume it belongs to you.

An unexpected package may seem harmless, but it’s worth taking a few minutes to make sure your accounts and personal information are secure.
If you receive a suspicious package, report it to the retailer or delivery company and share this post with family and friends so they know what to watch for.

09/01/2026

Have you wondered why scams can be so difficult to stop?

A new BBB study, “Blueprint of a Scam,” examines more than 433,000 BBB Scam Tracker reports and reveals how scammers exploit legitimate tools, including text services, digital phone numbers, AI, website templates and social media to reach consumers and steal billions.

The study explores the rapid rise of scam calls and texts, the challenges platforms face in removing fraudsters and regulatory changes that could better protect consumers.

Read the full study and learn how to protect yourself at BBB.org/scamstudies.

08/31/2026

: Scammers capitalize on those seeking financial security by fabricating attractive income opportunities and quick wealth schemes. 💰

Learn about the common types of investments scams and how to avoid them⤵
https://dos.ny.gov/news/consumer-alert-nys-department-states-division-consumer-protection-warns-against-investment-scams

08/10/2026

You’re browsing your social media feed when an ad grabs your attention mid-swipe: that designer bag you’ve been dreaming of is 50% off for a limited time only! You’re dying to get your hands on one, so you don’t think twice about clicking on the ad. Why would you? The ad is right there in yo...

08/04/2026

08/03/2026

🚨 EBT Card Security Alert 🚨

Erie County Department of Social Services has been notified that a card skimming device was identified at:

📍 TOPS Supermarket
700 Thruway Plaza Dr.
Cheektowaga, NY 14225

If you used your EBT card at this location between June 25, 2026 and July 25, 2026, your benefits may be at risk.

To protect your benefits:
✅ Freeze your card through the ebtEDGE app or website
✅ Request a replacement card if your card may have been compromised
✅ Monitor your account for transactions you do not recognize

To request a replacement card:
📱 Visit otda.ny.gov and access ebtEDGE
📞 Call the EBT Customer Service Helpline: 1-888-328-6399

For assistance, contact:
📞 SNAP Call Center: (716) 858-7239
🌐 otda.ny.gov/ebtscam
📍 Erie County Department of Social Services, 158 Pearl Street, Buffalo

Please take action as soon as possible to help protect your benefits.

08/03/2026

For more information and resources on Home Improvement Repair Projects, visit our website at https://www3.erie.gov/consumerprotection/home-improvement-projects