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West Virginia Attorney General J.B. McCuskey

CHARLESTON – The West Virginia Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division received 141 scam complaints during May.

According to AG J.B. McCuskey’s office, West Virginians can find information about scams, including the top scams reported each month, on the Attorney General’s office website at https://ago.wv.gov/.

McCuskey says his office is committed to keeping West Virginians informed about the latest scams targeting communities.

For the month of May, the top five scams reported to the office’s Consumer Protection Division were:

  • Medicare

  • Phishing/Computer

  • Robo Calls

  • Traffic Violations/Tickets (Delivery of scam via text message)

  • Sweepstakes/Winnings

The AG’s office also reminded West Virginians of ways they to protect themselves from scams.

  • 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

The office also offered a list of what you shouldn’t 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

For more about scams, ways to protect yourself and to file a scam report go to ago.wv.gov. There also is a Consumer Protection Hotline for people to speak with the office’s Scam Coordinator at 1-800-368-8808.

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