Scams that target citizens, companies, and professionals have increased in Vermont in recent years. Scammers frequently take advantage of people’s trust and sense of urgency by employing dishonest methods to acquire money and personal information.
Being aware is essential to safeguarding both your community and yourself. The following five frauds are prevalent among Vermonters at the moment:
Phishing Arrest Warrant Fraud
Scammers pose as federal authorities, sheriff’s offices, or local police, saying that victims have unpaid fines or outstanding warrants for neglecting jury duty. They put pressure on people to pay right away with gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers.
Preventive Actions:
- Over the phone, law enforcement does not request fees.
- Hang up and get in touch with the official agency directly if you get such a call.
- Never give out money or personal information to strangers on the phone.
Impersonation Scams by Government Agencies
Fraudsters pretend to be officials of the IRS, Social Security Administration, or Medicare, and if victims don’t confirm their personal information or pay, they risk legal repercussions or losing their benefits.
Preventive Measures:
- Unwanted calls requesting money or personal information should raise suspicions.
- No government agency will ever ask for money via wire transfers or gift cards.
- Use the agency’s official contact details to confirm any questionable call.
Grandparent Fraud
Scammers are targeting elderly Vermonters by pretending to be distressed family members. The scammers frequently ask for money through untraceable means like gift cards or wire transfers, claiming they have been in an accident or arrested and require urgent financial assistance.
Safety Advice:
- Pose queries that only a true family member could answer.
- Before donating money, check with other family members to confirm the circumstances.
- Requests for concealment that seem urgent should be avoided.
Phishing as well as Internet fraud
Phishing emails and texts are being sent by cybercriminals posing as representatives of banks, internet merchants, or governmental organizations.
Malicious links in these communications have the potential to install malware or steal personal data.
Ways to Prevent:
- Avoid opening attachments from senders you don’t recognize or clicking on dubious URLs.
- For online accounts, create strong, one-of-a-kind passwords and turn on two-factor authentication.
- Get in touch with the business or agency directly to confirm unexpected messages.
Lottery and Employment Scams
Fraudsters use fictitious lottery winners or job offers to trick victims into paying up front for processing, background checks, or prize claims. Identity theft and financial loss are possible outcomes of these schemes.
Suggestions:
- Offers of employment that ask for personal information or upfront payments should be avoided.
- Examine official websites and reviews to confirm the legitimacy of businesses and lotteries.
- Keep in mind that winners of legal lotteries are not required to pay fees in order to collect their winnings.
To Conclude
Vigilance is crucial, as seen by the increase in frauds throughout Vermont. To prevent monetary losses and identity theft, locals, companies, and professionals should remain educated and take preventative action.
Vermonters may contribute to safeguarding themselves and their communities against fraudulent schemes by identifying warning signals and raising awareness.
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