Consumer Protection Division received 401 scam reports in August, including new impersonation and video-call sweepstakes schemes
The West Virginia Attorney General JB McCuskey is reporting that the Consumer Protection Division received 401 reports of scams in August, with Medicare scams topping the list. The Consumer Protection Division is also warning consumers about two newly reported scam tactics: scammers impersonating West Virginia state representatives and scammers using video calls to claim consumers have won sweepstakes or lottery prizes.
Of the 401 scam complaints the Consumer Protection Division received in August, the top scams were:
- Medicare
- West Virginia state representative impersonation scams
- Robo Calls (loans, debt relief, final funeral expenses, etc.)
- Computer/Phishing
- Sweepstakes and lottery scams
The Consumer Protection Division received reports involving a scammer who claimed to be a representative of the State of West Virginia and offered insurance and other subsidies. One consumer reported receiving approximately 70 calls from the scammer, who used spoofed West Virginia telephone numbers to make the calls appear legitimate. These calls were live rather than automated or robotic. Consumers should remember that scammers can use technology to “spoof” caller ID, making a call appear to come from a familiar or legitimate West Virginia telephone number.
Additionally, the Consumer Protection Division is warning West Virginians about a sweepstakes scam involving video calls. Scammers use What’s App, Facetime and other applications with video capabilities. These calls typically come from an email address and numbers are not usually listed. Many consumers who reported this scam did not answer. When consumers have answered, they say the scammer’s video screen is black and they cannot see the scammer, but the scammer can see them.
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 notices of any contest winnings, especially if you didn’t enter
- If calls seem suspicious, don’t engage with callers; hang up and call back using numbers you have on file
- 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. Likewise, you can call our Consumer Protection Hotline and speak with our Scam Coordinator at 1-800-368-8808.
###