Guest Column: Stay Vigilant - A Message from the WV Attorney General on Scams

Guest Column by The Honorable John “JB" McCuskey
West Virginia Attorney General
October, 2025

We’ve all gotten them. Unwanted scam calls, texts and emails, telling us we’ve forgotten to pay a fine, we’ve missed jury duty or we owe a bill. Those can be scary to receive — and convincing. Add in new technology and artificial intelligence, and sometimes it’s hard to know what to believe. That is why the West Virginia Attorney General’s Office wants you to stay informed and to take action to protect yourself and your loved ones from scams.

Scams are deceptive schemes to trick people into giving away money, personal information or access to their accounts. While scams have existed for centuries, modern technology has made them easier to carry out and harder to detect. Today’s scammers operate through every crevice of communication whether it be phone calls, emails, texts, websites, social media, and even packages.

Scams are successful because they prey on emotions. They create a false sense of urgency to pressure potential victims into acting without thinking.

Scammers also use sophisticated technology. They can fake caller ID numbers, mimic real emails, and create professional looking websites. Many scams are operated by organized networks based in countries where US law enforcement has limited reach, making it difficult to shut them down.

Being able to recognize scams will make it easier to protect yourself.

Be skeptical of unknown or unexpected contacts: Don’t trust calls, texts or emails from unknown numbers or addresses. Do not answer if you do not know the number.

Verify before acting: If someone claims to be from your bank, hang up and call the official number on the back of your card. Never trust a call back number provided by scammers.

Don’t share personal information: No legitimate organization will ask for your Social Security number, PIN, or passwords over the phone or email.

Use call blocking tools: Many smartphones and telecommunication carriers offer scam call filters. Call and ask what your provider offers. Use them to limit robocalls and known fraud numbers.

Report scams: Reporting scams helps authorities track patterns and protect others. Spread awareness to loved ones and friends. Consumers can report scams to the WV Attorney General’s Office Consumer Protection Division by calling 304-558-8986 or by email at scams@wvago.gov.

What is being done? New technology is being explored for better call authentication. The WV Attorney General’s Office is a member of a bi-partisan nationwide Anti-Robocall Multistate Litigation Task Force. Reporting scams to our office can assist with finding patterns and sources of calls.

Remain vigilant and report any suspicious calls, texts or emails to the West Virginia Attorney General’s Office, we are here to help.