West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey has warned consumers to be on guard against impostors calling with the promise of government grants.
The Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division recently heard from several consumers who reported having received calls from a scammer claiming to represent the Department of Health and Human Resources. The impostor instructed consumers to wire money in order for their government grant application to be processed and the grant received.
In some instances, the impostor had the consumer’s full Social Security number and other personal information.
“State agencies won’t call consumers and ask them to wire money in order to receive a government grant,” Morrisey said. “It’s very important to protect your personal, identifiable information and confirm the legitimacy of anyone receiving your money.”
To avoid becoming a victim of a potential scam, do not give out personal information over the phone, mail or internet unless you can verify the identity of the recipient. In addition, be wary of anyone who uses bullying tactics or asks for payment via purchase of a prepaid card.
Anyone with consumer protection questions or potential complaints should contact the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division at 1-800-368-8808 or visit the office online at www.wvago.gov.
