New Scam Tactics Targeting West Virginians
By Connect-Bridgeport Staff on September 07, 2026
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia Attorney General JB McCuskey is reporting that the Consumer Protection Division received 401 reports of scams in August, with Medicare scams topping the list. The Consumer Protection Division is also warning consumers about two newly reported scam tactics: scammers impersonating West Virginia state representatives and scammers using video calls to claim consumers have won sweepstakes or lottery prizes.
Of the 401 scam complaints the Consumer Protection Division received in August, the top scams were:
Medicare
West Virginia state representative impersonation scams
Robo Calls (loans, debt relief, final funeral expenses, etc.)
Computer/Phishing
Sweepstakes and lottery scams
The Consumer Protection Division received reports involving a scammer who claimed to be a representative of the State of West Virginia and offered insurance and other subsidies. One consumer reported receiving approximately 70 calls from the scammer, who used spoofed West Virginia telephone numbers to make the calls appear legitimate. These calls were live rather than automated or robotic. Consumers should remember that scammers can use technology to “spoof” caller ID, making a call appear to come from a familiar or legitimate West Virginia telephone number.
Additionally, the Consumer Protection Division is warning West Virginians about a sweepstakes scam involving video calls. Scammers use What’s App, Facetime and other applications with video capabilities. These calls typically come from an email address and numbers are not usually listed. Many consumers who reported this scam did not answer. When consumers have answered, they say the scammer’s video screen is black and they cannot see the scammer, but the scammer can see them.
Ways to protect yourself
Be aware that criminals can “spoof” phone numbers - Your caller ID may show familiar numbers that aren’t actually calling
Be wary of notices of any contest winnings, especially if you didn’t enter
If calls seem suspicious, don’t engage with callers; hang up and call back using numbers you have on file
Keep detailed records - Document all interactions with service providers and financial transaction
Research before you trust - Verify identities, companies, and claims independently
What not to do
Don’t handle money transfers for strangers - You could unknowingly participate in money laundering
Never accept or forward packages for online acquaintances - This may involve illegal activity
Never pay anyone with gift cards - Legitimate companies don’t accept gift cards as payment
Never pay money to claim prizes - Real contests don’t require payment
Never provide personal or financial information over the phone - to unsolicited callers
Never send money to people you haven't met in person - This includes online romantic interests
You can find out more about scams, ways to protect yourself, and file a scam report at ago.wv.gov Likewise, you can call our Consumer
Protection Hotline and speak with our Scam Coordinator at 1-800-368-8808.
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