MONTPELIER – Vermonters made a total of 3,533 scam reports to the Attorney General’s Consumer Assistance Program (CAP) in 2024. Leading the list was the “computer tech support” scam, totaling almost 30% of the top scams reported. This scam tricks people with sudden alerts about alleged computer issues, such as expiring antivirus software or malware infections. Variations also include fake messages to the consumer’s phone or email about packages or unauthorized orders. Noticeably, this marks the fourth consecutive year this scam has ranked as the most reported.
The email extortion scam has returned to the list after a four-year hiatus. These troubling emails threaten to release personally compromising photos and information. A new twist on this scam is the emails include screen-captured images of the recipient’s home from online map services to further unsettle recipients and pressure them into complying with the scammers’ demands.
“Educating consumers is the best way to protect Vermonters from scams,” said Attorney General Clark. “With most scams originating overseas, they are incredibly difficult to shut down. These are the top scams to look out for.”
More information about scam prevention strategies and other resources can be found on the CAP Connection blog, at the Vermont attorney general’s social media sites, and by signing up for Vermont Scam Alert System scam alerts. To sign up, visit CAP’s scam prevention website. Roughly 9,000 Vermonters have signed up to receive alerts.
The Vermont Scam Alert System was previously established through a partnership with Vermont Emergency Management that granted the attorney general’s office permission to manage a contact list and issue alerts utilizing limited features of the Vermont Alert system.
The Vermont attorney general asks Vermonters to report scams and get support if a victim to a scam by contacting the Consumer Assistance Program. Call (800) 649-2424 or email [email protected].
