The Season of Changing Leaves and Ripening Scams: Consumer Awareness Tips for Fall

By Amrutaa Vibho, AGO Intern With the changing of the leaves and the shorter days, fall brings a host of seasonal activities and purchases. Whether it’s Halloween costumes or season passes to ski resorts, consumers will be looking to save … Continue reading

Scams are crimes that we can try to avoid

A heartfelt thank you to Jeanette Voss and Martha “Mickey” Pullen for sharing your stories in a recent Seven Days article, Cyber Scams Are Leaving Older Vermonters Destitute, Frustrated and Saddled with Tax Debt. Your stories help us understand that scams are malicious criminal operations that succeed through thievery. You have helped others to see that responding to a scam is deeply human and natural. Scams are crimes. Scams are never the fault of the people they harm. Continue reading

Summer Scams

With increased vacationing, sightseeing, and attending events, summer is a fun-filled time in Vermont. Have a safe and happy summer by avoiding scams that may seek to intercept your vacation rental search, sell you fake tickets, or purport to be extended family stranded while on vacation.

When searching for a vacation rental or event tickets online, be sure to do extensive research before agreeing to complete a purchase. If a family member calls in need, always take steps to verify. Continue reading

Social Media Scams Hope to Elicit Funds from Grieving Families

Scammers are targeting grieving families, hosting fake funeral live stream Facebook posts and asking for payment to access the service. Scammers may further make fake social media pages of loved ones to post the funeral livestream.

The livestream option for funeral services is typically free to guests. If you are asked to provide payment, disengage and contact the organizer directly, such as the funeral home or the person who arranged the funeral services.

The array of scams that can occur on social media is virtually limitless. Continue reading