Tag: Scam

Attorney General Warns Consumers of Utility Scams

West Virginia consumers are being urged to beware of callers claiming to represent utility companies and other impostor scams.

The state attorney general’s office says impostors have been known to pose as employees from electric, cable or public service companies and threaten service interruption in order to steal money and personal information.

Attorney General Patrick Morrisey’s office said in a news release consumers should watch for callers who demand prepaid debit cards, such as Green Dot cards, as a form of payment, or for callers who give inadequate notice of an impending disconnection.

If you have questions, call the utility’s legitimate phone number from the monthly bill or the company’s website to verify that payment is due.

Anyone believing they have been the victim of a scam can report it to Morrisey’s office at (800) 368-8808 or (304) 267-0239.

Seven Indicted in More than $7 Million Martinsburg Charity Bingo Scam

Seven Eastern Panhandle residents have been accused of keeping almost all of the money from bingo and raffle games that were being held for charity.

Multiple media outlets report that the seven Martinsburg-area residents were each indicted Tuesday on numerous charges, including 15 counts of mail fraud and 18 counts of money laundering. Authorities say the defendants operated illegal bingo and raffles for a fraudulent charity known as Kids Against Drugs of W.V., Inc. and doing business as “Big Bucks Bingo.”

U.S. Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld II said at a news conference Wednesday that the games were supposed to benefit the Berkeley County Humane Society and Fraternal Order of Police 83, but the defendants took at least 90 percent of the revenue by pocketing more than $7 million.

W.Va. Attorney General's Office Warns of Repair Scam

The West Virginia attorney general’s office is warning people affected by severe storms and flooding last week to be careful in hiring workers for repairs.

A news release from Attorney General Patrick Morrisey’s office said unlicensed workers may target neighborhoods and offer repairs with deals that aren’t legitimate. The release said often, money is paid before the work is finished.

Morrisey’s office advises people to obtain multiple written estimates, ask for references, look for reviews of the company and see if the contractor has a valid license. The West Virginia Contractor Licensing Board can be contacted at (304) 558-7890.

The release also says to call the Consumer Protection Division at (800) 368-8808 or file a report online at http://www.wvago.gov on potential scams or other violations.

Authorities Charge Couple in Cancer Scam

Authorities have arrested a West Virginia woman and her husband after officials say they scammed more than $82,000 from another couple by pretending the woman needed money for cancer treatments.

The Herald-Mail of Hagerstown reports that 27-year-old Lee Anne McCauley has been arrested on charges including theft scheme and theft scheme conspiracy of $10,000 to $100,000. The Washington County Sheriff’s Office said in a news release that her husband, 34-year-old Brian Keith King Jr., has also been arrested in connection with the case.

Charging documents state that McCauley had told the couple she needed help for different treatments she was receiving across the nation.

A judge set bail at $80,000. Assistant Public Defender Elizabeth Steiner told the judge Friday that McCauley and her family has no money to post bond.

Putnam County Sheriff: Beware of Phone Scam

The Putnam County sheriff’s office is urging residents to be on the lookout for a phone scam.

WSAZ-TV reports that the deputies say that some residents are getting calls from someone who claims they are with the IRS and says the resident owes overdue taxes.

The number that comes up includes an area code from Washington, D.C. The deputies say they believe the person who is calling is outside the U.S.

The deputies are encouraging residents to call the sheriff’s office if they receive such a call.

Salvation Army Warns of Scammer in Huntington

The Salvation Army has issued a scam warning, saying a man is going to Huntington homes asking for donations.

The Salvation Army said in a news release Thursday it received an anonymous tip Tuesday about a person going door to door asking for donations for the charity.

The person is described as a white male in his mid-40s. He has been seen carrying a red bucket similar to the organization’s standard bucket.

Captain Jerry Lester of the Salvation Army’s Huntington branch says the organization does not go door to door asking for donations.

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