Scammers Calling Northeast Kingdom Homes

Unknown scammers are targeting innocent people by way of phone scams. Scammers are calling residents exclaiming they are in desperate need of money, and fast!

Full Story:

Lynne Johnson of St. Johnsbury, VT received a skeptical phone call. A fraudulent individual attempted to pose as her grandson needing money in Canada. He told her that he was in trouble with the law and needed $4,200 so he wouldn’t go to jail. This fictional story in itself tipped Johnson off.

She knew this must be a scam because she had young grandchildren that didn’t live in Canada. She had granddaughters that have boyfriends, but were not in Canada at the time either. By asking numerous questions to the caller, Johnson was able to conclude this was a scam.

These kinds of scams are happening all of the time, especially in the Northeast Kingdom. If the scammer gets some of the facts straight, innocent people on the phone line could be swindled out of their money!

Scammers are not only targeting people in the Northeast. An elderly assisted living unit in Shelburne, VT, Wake Robin, also has been marked. A pattern of targeting elders has been noted.

Trickery does not stop at just phone scams with deceptive individuals. Counterfeit checks and lotteries have been noted with scams. People should be wary of Craig’s List, E-Bay, and newspaper ads. Check into these resources fully before committing to them, fraudulent acts are increasing, in part due to the poor economic climate.

If you think you are being scammed do not hesitate to call the Vermont Attorney General’s office’s consumer assistance program at 800-649-2424.

(From the Caledonian-Record - 2/5/09)

For a related story go to: http://fightthesmears.com/articles/14/sermononthemount