The West Virginia Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division is committed to keeping West Virginians informed about the latest scams targeting our communities. Criminals constantly develop new tactics to steal your money and personal information, making it essential to stay alert and informed.
Current Top Scams Targeting West Virginians:
Based on 241 reports to the West Virginia Attorney General's Office in January 2026, these are the most common scams impacting West Virginia consumers:
- Robo Calls - Calls regarding funeral expenses, loan scams, car warranties and others
- Medicare Scams - Calls and emails claiming to be from Medicare
- Social Security Scams - Scammers claiming to have/need information about your social security
- Tax Scams - Scammers posing as the IRS or government entities claiming the consumer owes for back taxes or receiving threats of wage garnishment
- Toll Violation Scam - Consumers receiving texts from scammers posing as the DMV or Parkways Authority. Scammers claim there are unpaid tolls
LEARN ABOUT THE LATEST ON-LINE, SOCIAL MEDIA AND ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE SCAMS HERE
Other Common Scams
ways to protect yourself
- Be aware that criminals can "spoof" phone numbers - Your caller ID may show familiar numbers that aren't actually calling
- Hang up and call back - using numbers you have on file if calls seem suspicious, don't engage with callers
- Be wary of any contest winnings - Especially if you didn't enter
- Research before you trust - Verify identities, companies, and claims independently
- Keep detailed records - Document all interactions with service providers and financial transaction
what not to do
- Never provide personal or financial information over the phone - to unsolicited callers
- 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 send money to people you haven't met in person - This includes online romantic interests
- 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
The West Virginia Attorney General's Office is here to help
If you've been targeted by scammers or have questions about suspicious contacts, contact our office immediately.
Consumer Protection Hotline: 1-800-368-8808
West Virginia Attorney General's Office
Consumer Protection and Anti-Trust Division
1900 Kanawha Boulevard, East
Building 1, Room E-26
Charleston, WV 25305
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 1789
Charleston, WV 25326
Phone: 304-558-8986
E-mail: Scams@wvago.gov