THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, JUNE 23, 2023 Page 13 Latest seasonally unadjusted unemployment and job estimates for local labor markets in Mass. in May 2023 L ocal unemployment rates decreased in 21 labor market areas and remained unchanged in three labor market areas in the state during the month of May 2023 compared to April 2023, the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development reported. Compared to May 2022, the rates were down in 24 labor market areas. Of the 15 areas for which employment estimates are published, 14 New England City and Town Areas (NECTA) gained jobs compared to in the previous month. The largest percentage increases occurred in the Barnstable Town (+4.8%), LawrenceMethuen Town-Salem MA-NH (+1.5%) and Peabody-SalemBeverly (+1.4%) areas. From May 2022 to May 2023, 14 areas gained jobs, with the largest percentage increases seen in the Peabody-Salem-Beverly (+3.5%), Barnstable Town (+3.4%) and BostonCambridge-Newton (+3.2%) areas. The statewide seasonally adjusted preliminary jobs estimate showed an increase of 5,700 jobs in May, and an overthe-year gain of 105,100 jobs. In order to compare the statewide rate to local unemployment rates, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the statewide unadjusted unemployment rate for May 2023 was 2.3%, down 0.1 percentage points from the revised April 2023 estimate and 1.1 percentage points below the nation’s unadjusted unemployment rate of 3.4%. Last week, the Executive Offi ce of Labor and Workforce Development reported that the statewide seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in the month of May 2023 was 2.8%, BBB Scam Alert: Shoppers beware of Facebook Marketplace cons F acebook Marketplace can be a great place to fi nd deals on items for sale in your neighborhood. But like any online classifi ed site, watch out for warning signs before handing over money. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is seeing reports of Facebook Marketplace scams in BBB Scam Tracker, especially for big-ticket items like used cars and RVs. How the scam works: You are shopping on Facebook Marketplace and spot a listing that looks like a good deal, so you contact the seller. The seller replies by saying that they are out of the country, in the military or otherwise unavailable. Instead, the person tells you, they are using eBay, Amazon or another reputable third-party company to sell and ship the item. The seller assures you that you will have a chance to see and test drive the vehicle before committing to a purchase; however, you must fi rst wire money or send funds via prepaid debit card to “Amazon” or “eBay.” They will act as an escrow service. If you are unhappy with your purchase, you can simply return it for a full refund. Since you have confi dence in the site being used for escrow, you agree. Unfortunately, both the thirdparty service and the seller are a con. The car or other item doesn’t exist. Some scammers have even gone as far as creating fake invoices from “Amazon” or “eBay,” stealing their logos to make the invoices look real. Check out a newer twist: BBB Scam Alert: Crafty new scam targeting Facebook Marketplace sellers at https://www.bbb. org/article/scams/27212-scamalert-how-to-spot-shady-buyers-on-facebook-marketplace. How to avoid scams on Facebook Marketplace: • Always meet the seller and see the item for sale before purchasing. This will help you avoid most scams on Facebook Marketplace. This is also true for housing rentals. If you can’t tour the house or apartment before renting it, it’s likely not available. • Avoid deals involving shipping or escrow services. This scam is only one take on this trend. Avoid them by purchasing directly from the seller. • Report scams to Facebook. If you’ve encountered a scam on Facebook Marketplace, report them to Facebook. • Check BBB Tips: Many sales scams use similar techniques. Check out tips on BBB.org/scamtips to learn more. For more information: For more ways to protect yourself from social media shopping scams, see BBB’s tips for smart SCAM | SEE Page 16 It’s Enough to Get You It’s Enough to Get You down 0.3 percentage points from the revised April 2023 estimate of 3.1%. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the nation’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for May 2023 was 3.7%. The unadjusted unemployment rates and job estimates for the labor market areas refl ect seasonal fl uctuations and therefore might show diff erent levels and trends than the statewide seasonally adjusted estimates. The estimates for labor force, unemployment rates, and jobs for Massachusetts are based on diff erent statistical methodology specifi ed by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. NOTES: The preliminary June 2023 and the revised May 2023 unemployment rates, labor force data and jobs estimates for Massachusetts will be released on Friday, July 21, 2023; For Advertising with Results, call The Advocate Newspapers at 781-286-8500 or Info@advocatenews.net local unemployment statistics for June 2023 will be released on Tuesday, July 25, 2023. Detailed labor market information is available at http://www.mass. gov/EconomicResearch. See the 2023 Media Advisory for a complete list of release dates. Auto Loans 4.99%APR* as low as EASY ONLINE APP FREE PRE-APPROVALS Apply online at memberspluscu.org today! memberspluscu.org 781-905-1500 Equal Housing Opportunity MEDFORD NORWOOD DORCHESTER EVERETT PLYMOUTH *APR = Annual Percentage Rate. 4.99% APR is for a new car with terms up to 48 months and requires monthly payments of $23.03 per $1000 borrowed. Payment does not reflect credit life and/or disability insurance and may differ slightly due to rounding. 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