Vermonters filed 5,021 scam reports with the Attorney General’s Consumer Assistance Program (CAP) in 2020. The Social Security number phishing scam, which typically involves calls claiming that your Social Security number has been compromised, suspended, or linked to criminal activity, remained the most commonly scam for the second year in a row with 1,160 reports filed. Claiming the number two spot on… Continue reading Vermont’s Top Ten Scams of 2020
It’s National Consumer Protection Week!
Puppy Love
By Crystal Baldwin Nothing quite beats puppy snuggles to lift spirits and brighten moods. Though I speak now mostly from personal experience as the owner of a sweet cuddly chihuahua, Bobby, my sweeping generalization is based in fact. Loving on animals induces the cuddle chemical, oxytocin, giving the body a calming feel-good rush. Who couldn’t use a… Continue reading Puppy Love
Internet Scams to Avoid
By Crystal Baldwin This time last year, I had no idea my whole life would be online—work, exercise, shopping excursions, and more. Now that pretty much every facet of my life, and likely yours too, involves the internet, we must be on the lookout for new and developing scams to prevent ourselves and our friends and loved… Continue reading Internet Scams to Avoid
Beware of the Electricity Cut Off Scam
By Crystal Baldwin and Sara Spencer “Your electricity will be shut off, if you don’t pay.” Imagine receiving this message in the middle of your work day while relying on electricity to serve your customers. Or, maybe the message comes into your home while every single person is using an electronic device for work or… Continue reading Beware of the Electricity Cut Off Scam