BURLINGTON — Scam reports to the Vermont 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 percent 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 that can be used to steal money, took the No. 2 spot, accounting for a little more than 11 percent 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 Charity Clark.
CAP actively updates scam prevention resources and strategies and manages the CAP Connection blog, keeping Vermonters informed about important consumer issues.
Vermonters should report scams to CAP and share prevention strategies in their community. To learn more about scams, visit ago.vermont.gov/cap/scam-prevention-through-awareness-and-education.
The Top 10 Scams of 2023:
Computer Tech Support – 531
Phishing (Bank, etc.) – 246
Law Enforcement Imposter -228
Medicare Card Phishing – 210
Identity Theft – 206
Sweepstakes/Lotteries – 184
Fake Websites/Online Listings – 178
Family Emergency Imposter -136
Deceitful Solicitations – 135
Rewards Credit – 132
