THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, August 18, 2023 Page 17 BBB Tip: Back to school shopping for tech supplies T echnology has become a permanent fixture of the education experience. After the crash course in educational technology that was the 2020 school year, teachers and students are increasingly confident in using technology for learning. Though its role in the classroom will continue to evolve, a precedent has been set – technology is now a critical component of education. Market research firm Deloitte details how educational shifts influence consumer shopping habits: “Digital learning tools are replacing traditional school supplies, driving tech sales up 37% YoY.” Data shows that consumers are planning to make more technology purchases and use digital technology to make those purchases. Deloitte research indicates that nearly half of consumers want to shop online for technology purchases. Consumers say quality and price are the top two factors driving their purchase decisions. However, shortages of essential supplies like computer chips might limit the options available to shoppers. These trends put consumers in a risky position – needing products but can’t find them from trustworthy sellers. In times like these, scams are increasingly likely. As families begin to invest in reliable technology, the Better Business Bureau® (BBB) advises shoppers to beware of scammers who could spoil their hopes for academic success. Scammers might target shoppers with phony deals, enticing ads and attractive but fake websites. Savvy online shopping is necessary to ensure you don’t fall prey to a scam. BBB offers these tips for buying tech products ahead of the new school year: • Shop with familiar retailers. Laptops, tablets or other tech accessories can be a significant investment. Shop with businesses you know and trust to ensure you get a quality product and good customer service. • Don’t buy from impostors. Fraudsters might use the name, logo and other characteristics of trusted brands. Closely examine the website to verify they are who they are. • Approach low prices with caution. Low prices and short-term sales could signal you’ve encountered a scam. If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is. BBB TIP | SEE PAGE 21 Public invited to appeal or comment on flood maps in Middlesex County, Mass. P reliminary flood risk information and updated Flood Insurance Rate Maps are available for review by residents and business owners in affected communities in Middlesex County, Massachusetts. Residents and business owners are encouraged to review the latest information to learn about local flood risks and potential future flood insurance requirements. The updated maps were produced in coordination with local, state and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) officials. Significant community review of the maps has already taken place. Before the maps become final, community stakeholders can raise questions or concerns about the information provided and participate in the 90-day appeal and comment periods, which will begin on or around August 28, 2023. The affected communities in Middlesex County are listed in the Proposed Flood Hazard Determinations Notice in the Federal Register and can be found at https://www.federalregister. gov/documents/2023/07/31/2023-16142/proposed-flood-hazard-determinations Residents may submit an appeal if they think modeling or data used to create the map is technically or scientifically incorrect. ● An appeal must include technical information, such as hydraulic or hydrologic data, to support the claim. ● Appeals cannot be based on the effects of proposed projects or projects started after the study is in progress. ● If property owners see incorrect information that does not change the flood hazard information – such as a missing or misspelled road name in the Special Flood Hazard Area or an incorrect corporate boundary – they can submit a written comment. The next step in the mapping process is to resolve all comments and appeals. Once these are resolved, FEMA will notify communities of the effective date of the final maps. To review the preliminary maps or submit appeals and comments, contact your local floodplain administrator (FPA). A FEMA Map Specialist can identify your community FPA. Specialists are available by telephone at 1-877-FEMA-MAP (1-877-336-2627) or by email at FEMA-FMIX@ fema.dhs.gov. The preliminary maps may also be viewed at the following websites: https://msc.fema.gov/portal/home – https://hazards.fema.gov/femaportal/prelimdownload – https://fema.maps.arcgis. com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=e7a7dc3ebd7f4ad39bb8e485bb64ce44 More information Contact a FEMA Map Specialist by telephone at 1-877-FEMA-MAP (1-877-336-2627) or by email at FEMA-FMIX@fema.dhs.gov. There are cost-saving options available for those newly mapped into a high-risk flood zone. Learn more about your flood insurance options by talking with your insurance agent or visiting www.floodsmart.gov.
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