Scam Tracker Website Tallies Fraud Attempts 

The West Virginia Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division has launched a new website that tracks the latest scams targeting state residents. 

The office lists the top five scams for the month of March based on 314 scam complaints as:  

• Medicare scams 

• Robo Calls 

• Online phishing and computer scams 

• Credit card scams, where scammers pose as credit card companies claiming fraudulent charges 

• Grandparent scams where scammers impersonate a relative in distress to trick elderly victims into sending money.  

In a press release, the Consumer Protection Division warns there has been a rise in the use of artificial intelligence in scams, particularly the use of voice cloning, deepfake videos and images.  

“With the emergence of new technology, it is more important now than ever to be vigilant and careful,” West Virginia Attorney General JB McCuskey said. “Our office is always here to help consumers who have fallen for scams, and we encourage people to report scams to us so that we can obtain more details and warn others.” 

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