Have you heard of package scams that come right to your door?
West Carrollton Police issued a scam warning on social media. They say a “sneak scam” is making the rounds across the country.
“It’s called a ‘brushing’ scam, and it’s like getting an unsolicited surprise gift from your not-so-friendly neighborhood trickster!” the department said. “Picture this: you get a random package from Amazon or some mystery shop, filled with shiny goodies like rings, bracelets, or even a Bluetooth speaker. Exciting, right? But wait, there’s no sender info, just your address on the label. Inside, you’ll find a QR code begging to be scanned to unveil the mystery sender.”
Scanning the code could lead people to a phishing site. This is where crooks could try to swipe your personal and financial information, the department explained.
“You can toss the gift or keep it as a bizarre conversation starter, but whatever you do, don’t scan that QR code!” they added.
The concluded if it is a mysterious package, it’s best to leave that QR code alone.
The Better Business Bureau and U.S. Postal Service have more about this scam.
This story first appeared on WHIO-TV 7.
Posted By Lineweaver Financial Group
September 18, 2025
Category: Tax
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Posted By Lineweaver Financial Group
September 18, 2025
Category: Market Commentary
By Chad Roope, CFA ®, Chief Investment Officer This month, we highlight the key outcomes of the Federal Reserve (Fed) interest rate decision announced on Sept. 17. Overall, the decision was what we expected. Here is a brief summary: Interest rate cut: The Fed cut its federal funds rate by 0.25 percentage point, lowering the target range to 4.00%–4.25%. This is the first rate cut since December 2024. Voting: The decision was mostly unanimous: 11 out of 12 voting members supported the 0.25-point cut. The sole dissenting vote came from Stephen I. Miran, who preferred a larger cut of 0.50 percentage points. Balance of risks & stance: The Fed noted that growth has moderated, job gains have slowed, and unemployment has edged up, though it still remains low. Inflation remains elevated but isn’t accelerating at the same pace; there’s more concern now about economic weakness and risks to employment. The Fed emphasized that it will carefully assess incoming data and adjust policy as appropriate. Projections / Outlook From the Fed’s Summary of Economic Projections released alongside the decision: GDP growth: The median projection for U.S. real GDP growth in 2025 is about 1.6%, rising modestly in subsequent years. Unemployment rate: The unemployment rate is expected to be around 4.5% in 2025, with slight declines in 2026-2027, barring worse-than-anticipated weakening. Inflation (PCE): Inflation (the PCE m
Posted By Lineweaver Financial Group
August 12, 2025
Category: Tax Planning
By Mark Sipos, LFG Tax Director The passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act has been one of the most discussed topics coming out of Washington in the past few weeks. LFG Tax Services is diving into the new legislation, deciphering what it means for our clients, and keeping a close watch on tax planning opportunities and IRS interpretations of some of its components. Here are a few highlights we think will be of interest to you: The TCJA rate schedules for tax years beginning after December 31, 2017, are now permanently extended, as well as several key parts of the 2017 Act. No Tax on Tips: A temporary deduction of up to $25,000 in tip income for workers in “customarily tipped” occupations. Individuals phased out for MAGI above $150,000 and Joint filers at $300,000. Expires December 31, 2028. No Tax on Overtime: Temporary above-the-line deduction of $12,500 (single) / $25,000 (joint). Deduction phases out at $150,000 of MAGI (single) / $300,000 (joint), expiring at the end of 2028. The lifetime estate tax exemption has been permanently increased to $15 million (indexed for inflation) per US person. The Act stopped short of a full repeal and would essentially extend the current generous lifetime estate tax exemption. The limit means that only the wealthiest 1% or fewer taxpayers would ever face a tax on their estate after death. The qualified business income deduction under IRC Section 199A is now made permanent at 20%. The phase-in of the limit
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