Scam reports to the Attorney General’s Consumer Assistance Program (CAP) totaled 3,212 in 2023. The “computer tech support” scam took the No. 1 spot on the list, totaling almost 25% of the top scams reported. Phishing scams involving financial institutions, where a scammer tries to lure victims into clicking malicious links or tricking them into providing sensitive information, which can be used to steal money, took the No. 2 spot, accounting for a little more than 11% of the top scam reports in 2023.
A new scam—the “rewards credit” scam—was reported to CAP for the first time in 2023, rounding out the list of top 10 scams. This scam involves an email or text message that states there are unclaimed rewards, typically earned as a reward credit in points, a gift card, or redemption coupon. The message displays as being from major retailers and includes a link to click or a number to call. When victims click on the link, they are asked to confirm their identity by giving personal information, then payment is requested for processing or shipping.
“We know that scammers have likely reached every Vermonter, often more than once. You may have received an annoying scam call or text, been lied to by a scammer, or lost money to a scam. But the good news is, we can fight scams by reporting them to the consumer assistance program and spreading awareness within our communities,” said Attorney General Clark.
CAP actively updates scam prevention resources and strategies and manages the CAP Connection blog, keeping Vermonters informed about important consumer issues.
All Vermonters can help fight scams by reporting them to CAP and sharing prevention strategies in their community: visit: ago.vermont.gov/cap/scam-prevention-through-awareness-and-education.
The Top 10 Scams of 2023:
1. Computer Tech Support: 531
2. Phishing (Bank, etc.): 246
3. Law Enforcement Imposter: 228
4. Medicare Card Phishing: 210
5. Identity Theft: 206
6. Sweepstakes/Lotteries: 184
7. Fake Websites/Online Listings: 178
8. Family Emergency Imposter: 136
9. Deceitful Solicitations: 135
10. Rewards Credit:132
There were : 2,186 reports in the Top 10
of 3,212 total scams reported. For more info visit: ago.vermont.gov/StopScamsVT.
