As National Consumer Protection Week concludes, Attorney General Jay Jones has issued a reminder to Virginians about the ongoing threat of scams and fraud. According to the Federal Trade Commission, losses from fraud in 2024 surpassed $12.5 billion.
“Unfortunately, scammers are working every day to trick Virginians into turning over their money or their important personal information, such as financial account information or social security numbers,” said Attorney General Jones. “While the total amount of money taken by fraud is staggering, even a small amount of money lost to a scam can be devastating when paying monthly bills. To protect themselves, Virginians need to be alert to common scams and signs that someone is trying to pull one off.”
The Attorney General’s Office highlighted several common scams affecting residents:
– Government impostor scams involve individuals pretending to be from agencies like the IRS or other government bodies. These scammers may use convincing details such as fake badge numbers and official-looking emails or letters.
– Utility impostor scams include threats to disconnect services unless immediate payment is made, sometimes even involving in-person visits with fake identification.
– Romance scams occur when fraudsters build online relationships before requesting money under false pretenses.
– Grandparent scams target older adults by posing as relatives in distress and asking for urgent financial help.
– Lottery and sweepstakes scams inform victims they have won prizes but require payment of fees upfront.
– Gift card scams involve demands for payment via prepaid cards under various fraudulent scenarios.
Attorney General Jones urged consumers to stay vigilant against these tactics and offered tips on how to recognize potential red flags.
Virginians with concerns about consumer issues can reach out to the Consumer Protection Section of the Attorney General’s Office for assistance. The office provides resources for reporting identity theft and fraud, among other consumer protection services, as described on its official website.
The Attorney General’s responsibilities also include supporting civil rights enforcement, offering legal counsel to state agencies, addressing issues such as human trafficking and domestic violence through advocacy, and serving all residents across Virginia. More information on these initiatives is available at the official website.
Miyares currently serves as the 48th Attorney General of Virginia. The office continues efforts in promoting public safety and defending constitutional rights while providing support for victims throughout the Commonwealth.
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