WV AG: Warns of New Impersonation Video Call Scams

• The West Virginia Consumer Protection Division received 401 scam reports in August, with Medicare scams being the most common.
• New scam tactics include fraudsters impersonating West Virginia state representatives and using video calls for fake sweepstakes prizes.
• One consumer received approximately 70 live calls from a scammer using spoofed West Virginia phone numbers to impersonate a state official.
• Video call sweepstakes scams often use apps like WhatsApp, originate from email addresses, and feature a black screen for the scammer while they can see the victim.
• The West Virginia Attorney General JB McCuskey's office is warning the public about these emerging threats and providing resources for reporting and protection.

These new methods, which include the impersonation of state officials and deceptive video call sweepstakes, underscore a concerning evolution in criminal strategies targeting West Virginians.

The office of West Virginia Attorney General JB McCuskey recently highlighted a significant uptick in fraudulent activities, with the Consumer Protection Division (CPD) registering 401 scam reports during August. While Medicare-related schemes continued to be the most frequently reported type of fraud, the division issued a specific warning regarding two novel and increasingly sophisticated tactics. These new methods, which include the impersonation of state officials and deceptive video call sweepstakes, underscore a concerning evolution in criminal strategies targeting West Virginians.

These developments in August 2023 WV scam reports signal a critical need for heightened awareness among consumers and legal professionals alike. The introduction of these sophisticated schemes, particularly the WV AG new impersonation video call scams, indicates that fraudsters are adapting their approaches, moving beyond traditional phone calls to leverage advanced technology for more convincing deceptions. The sheer volume of reports received by the WV Consumer Protection Division further emphasizes the pervasive nature of these threats across the state.

The two newly identified scam types represent a shift towards more personalized and technologically-driven fraud. One involves individuals falsely claiming to be West Virginia state representatives, while the other exploits video conferencing platforms to trick victims into believing they have won substantial prizes. Both tactics aim to exploit trust and leverage technology to create a veneer of legitimacy, making them particularly dangerous for unsuspecting individuals.

One of the alarming new trends identified by the Consumer Protection Division involves scammers impersonating West Virginia state representatives. These fraudsters contact individuals, falsely presenting themselves as officials from the State of West Virginia and offering various benefits, such as insurance policies or government subsidies. This tactic is designed to exploit public trust in government entities, making the offers appear credible to potential victims.

In a particularly egregious instance of this West Virginia state representative impersonation scam, one consumer reported receiving approximately 70 calls from a single scammer employing this method. The perpetrator utilized spoofed West Virginia telephone numbers, making the incoming calls appear to originate from legitimate local sources. Crucially, these were live interactions rather than automated or robotic messages, adding to their deceptive effectiveness. The CPD emphasizes that scammers can readily use technology to "spoof" caller ID, thereby making a call seem to come from a familiar or legitimate West Virginia telephone number, even when it does not.

Another significant concern highlighted by the Consumer Protection Division is the emergence of the WV sweepstakes video call scam. This scheme involves fraudsters initiating video calls through popular applications such as WhatsApp, Facetime, and other platforms equipped with video capabilities. The objective is to convince recipients that they have won a sweepstakes or lottery prize, often requiring personal information or payment to claim the supposed winnings.

These deceptive video calls typically originate from an email address, with no traditional phone numbers usually listed, making it difficult to trace the caller. Many consumers who reported encountering this scam wisely chose not to answer the incoming video calls. For those who did answer, a common experience was that the scammer's video screen remained black, preventing the victim from seeing the caller, while the scammer was reportedly able to see the victim. This one-sided visual access adds an unsettling layer to these WV AG new impersonation video call scams, allowing the fraudster to observe the victim's reactions without revealing their own identity.

The proliferation of these sophisticated scams, particularly the WV AG new impersonation video call scams, carries significant implications for legal professionals across various specializations. Lawyers advising clients on consumer fraud, financial services, or elder abuse must be acutely aware of these evolving tactics to effectively identify and support victims. The detailed nature of these schemes, from spoofed caller ID scams West Virginia to the use of video conferencing for sweepstakes fraud, demands a nuanced understanding to provide accurate counsel.

Compliance officers, too, should integrate these trends into their internal training programs and client communication strategies. Understanding how scammers impersonate state representatives or leverage video calls for fraudulent sweepstakes can help financial institutions and other regulated entities better protect their customers. The West Virginia Attorney General's office provides resources for consumers, including information on protection and reporting scams at ago.wv.gov, and a Consumer Protection Hotline at 1-800-368-8808 to speak with a Scam Coordinator, which can also serve as valuable reference points for legal and compliance professionals guiding their clients.

Lawyers advising clients on consumer fraud, financial services, or elder abuse should be aware of these emerging scam tactics (impersonation of state officials, video call sweepstakes) to better identify and advise victims, or to help clients implement preventative measures. Compliance officers should consider these trends for internal training and client communication strategies.

Source: Original reporting via West Virginia Attorney General's office