4th of July: What's Happening in Your Town

It's one of the most anticipated holidays on the calendar -- one that for many signifies the official start of Summer -- the 4th of July! 

Check out the festivities taking place in and around your community over the weekend.

4th of July Events

• Cape and the Islands
• Massachusetts by town and date
• Maine by town
• Rhode Island by town
• Vermont by date

Much of New England will continue to celebrate all month long. 

Our Marketing and Communications team curated a patriotic playlist. Just press play for your soundtrack! 

4th of July 2015 from sbenz-92968 on 8tracks Radio.

Have a safe and happy 4th of July!

-- Amy, Cate, Jaime, Lisa, Paula, Rachel, Steph and Taylor

National Grid Utility Scam Targets Businesses

National Grid is warning consumers about a utility bill payment scam. Scammers are calling National Grid customers and claiming to be a official representatives. They have been calling businesses in the Rhode Island area and claiming that the businesses have a past due account balance. The scammers threaten to turn off the business' utilities if immediate payment over the phone is not received. 

National Grid warns customers that they do call about past due balances, but they do not demand immediate payment over the phone. 

Customers should contact National Grid if they believe they have been contacted under fraudulent circumstances or if they believe they have been victim to this scam.

If you are contacted by an alleged National Grid representative, BBB advises you to end the conversation and contact National Grid. This way, customers will know who they’re contacting and can inquire about any outstanding bills.

As always, never give out personal or banking information to unfamiliar people. For more information, visit, http://www.abc6.com/story/23110034/national-grid-warns-customers-about-scam. 

Rhode Island Secretary of State Warns of Deceptive Mailing

Small businesses owners should be on the lookout for a deceptive mailing that claims to be from Rhode Island Corporate Compliance. According to ABC6, the letter asks businesses to fill out a form and attach a $125 check. Many businesses are being misled because the documents look official.

In April 2013, a similar mailing scam targeted Maine businesses and was sent from Corporate Records Services, located in Augusta. The letter offered to complete corporate meeting minutes for a $125 fee. Other states including Massachusetts, Georgia, Ohio and Indiana have issued warnings against deceptive mailing scams from Compliance Services.

BBB encourages business owners to do some research on any solicitations they receive that ask for payment, even if the document looks official.  Do not provide business information or a payment until you have completely checked out the offer and organization.