Scams
Protect yourself, your family and friends
Scammers are always dreaming up new ways to get your money.
Your best protection is to simply hang up when you think it might be a scam call, or stop the online conversation.
You will find helpful information on the Vermont’s Consumer Assistance Program website. It has information on:
- common scams
- what to do to stop a scam
- reporting a scam
- how to sign up to receive scam alerts by text, voice message or e-mail
The Attorney General's website also lists details about the top scams in Vermont in 2022 and includes informational videos.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) says Vermonters lost $10 million to fraud and scams in 2021! They say recent top scams seen in Vermont include imposter scams; foreign money offers and fake check scams; prizes, sweepstakes and lottery scams; and identity theft.
See our menu of links for information about other common scams:
Also watch out for:
- FEMA scams
- fake charities
- home contractor scams, and
- utility disconnection scams.
After you hang up, you can look up the real number for the utility, charity or government agency. Then call them directly.
You can also learn about Identity Theft on our website.
How to report a scam
In Vermont, report the scam to the Vermont Attorney General's Consumer Assistance Program and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) if you think you’ve experienced a scam. Learn how on our Consumer Rights page.
Stop payment
Also, stop payment if money has been sent (by wire transfer, mail, gift card, or any other means) to a scammer. Contact the bank or institution you sent it through right away to stop the money before it is picked up. Usually the funds are picked up quickly by scammers, but it’s worth trying.