CHARLESTON, WV (LOOTPRESS) — The West Virginia Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division is committed to keeping West Virginians informed about the latest scams targeting our communities. You can find information on scams, including the top scams reported each month, on the Attorney General’s Office website.
For the month of September, the Consumer Protection Division received 226 scam complaints.
The top 5 scams reported:
- Medicare – Offering grocery, food vouchers, or cards; additional benefits; or inquiring if the consumer has Medicare Parts A & B
- Robo Call – Loan approval, final funeral expenses, extended warranty, etc.
- Social Security – Posing as the Social Security Administration offering an increase in benefits or stating there are issues with their social security benefits
- Sweepstakes/Lottery – Consumers have reported that scammers are posing as representatives of Mega Millions, Publisher’s Clearing House, and even the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division, claiming the victims have won money
- Promotion/Disconnection – Posing as service providers offering promotional discounts or service disconnection for unpaid bills
Ways to protect yourself
- Be aware that criminals can “spoof” phone numbers –Your caller ID may show familiar numbers that aren’t actually calling
- Be wary of any contest winnings, especially if you didn’t enter
- Hang up and call back using numbers you have on file if calls seem suspicious; don’t engage with callers
- Keep detailed records – Document all interactions with service providers and financial transaction
- Research before you trust – Verify identities, companies, and claims independently
What not to do
- Don’t handle money transfers for strangers – You could unknowingly participate in money laundering
- Never accept or forward packages for online acquaintances – This may involve illegal activity
- Never pay anyone with gift cards – Legitimate companies don’t accept gift cards as payment
- Never pay money to claim prizes – Real contests don’t require payment
- Never provide personal or financial information over the phone to unsolicited callers
- Never send money to people you haven’t met in person – This includes online romantic interests
You can find out more about scams, ways to protect yourself, and file a scam report at ago.wv.gov. You can also call our Consumer Protection Hotline and speak with our Scam Coordinator at 1-800-368-8808.
