Scam Alert: Calls Targeting 3SquaresVT Households

Scammers are targeting recipients of 3SquaresVT – also known as SNAP or food stamps – and trying to steal money meant to assist households with buying food. Scammers are calling and sending messages, fraudulently claiming that the client’s EBT card has been “locked,” and instructing them to call back to verify their eligibility. This is… Continue reading Scam Alert: Calls Targeting 3SquaresVT Households

Homeowners and buyers can outsmart seller impersonators

Unfortunately, seller impersonation scams, also called “deed fraud”, are on the rise. Deed fraud is when criminals attempt to sell property they do not own. The listings may steal information from properties already on the market or create a new advertisement based on real property, such as real estate listed in a city/town’s grand list. Scammers often target property of absentee owners like vacation homes, vacant lots, or residential rentals. Criminals succeed by forging deed documents.

Nonstandard Standardized Test Calls

As a student, the standardized test may have been one of the first times I was asked to provide personal information like my address and birthday and optional Social Security number on a form. As one of the first times my SSN was queried, I remember my heart racing a bit. I found this sudden… Continue reading Nonstandard Standardized Test Calls

Avoid Scams and Fraud During Flood Recovery

Vermonters have become all too familiar with the difficulties of disaster flooding. We know from experience that as we seek to recover, time is of the essence. We may bypass research gathering steps to respond as quickly as possible to the most pressing needs. When encountering urgent, unexpected, or unfamiliar consumer transactions, like agreements for… Continue reading Avoid Scams and Fraud During Flood Recovery