How to Recognize and Report Scams in Virginia

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Scams are tricks people use to steal your money or personal information. They can happen by phone, text, email, or even at your front door. Anyone can be a target, but scammers often go after seniors and people with lower incomes.

The good news is that you can take steps to protect yourself. This page gives you a quick overview and links to more detailed help.

What are some of the most common scams right now?

Scams change over time, but many follow the same patterns. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is the main government agency that tracks scams across the country. Their website has up-to-date information on what scams are happening right now.

You can also sign up for free FTC consumer alerts. These alerts send you warnings about new scams straight to your inbox.

Visit the FTC for more information on scams.

What if someone calls pretending to be the IRS, Social Security, or Medicare?

Scams where someone pretends to be an official government agency are called imposter scams. The most important thing to know is that government agencies always contact you by mail first. They will never call to threaten you or demand immediate payment.

If you get a call like this, hang up. Do not give out any personal information. It is almost certainly a scam.

What is a grandparent scam?

In a grandparent scam, someone calls and pretends to be your grandchild. They say they are in trouble, usually with the law, and need money right away. They often tell you to keep it secret and not tell anyone else in the family.

If you get a call like this, do not send money. Hang up and call your grandchild directly using a phone number you already have, not one the caller gives you.

Scammers will often ask you to send money through a gift card, wire transfer, or apps like Venmo, Zelle, or PayPal. These methods are very hard to trace or reverse. Do not use them to pay someone you cannot verify.

What is a romance scam?

A romance scam happens when someone you meet online pretends to have romantic feelings for you. They build trust over weeks or months, then ask you to send money. If someone you have never met in person asks you for money, that is a major warning sign.

How do I know if a contractor or door-to-door salesperson is running a scam?

If someone shows up at your door offering a service you did not ask for, be careful. Scammers often create urgency, meaning they pressure you to make a decision right now. You always have the right to take your time.

Ask for the company's full legal name and website. Check if the business is registered in Virginia using the Business Entity Search tool. If the work requires a license, such as contracting or insurance, you can verify that at the Virginia State Corporation Commission.

If a salesperson asks you to sign on a tablet or device, ask them to email you a copy of the document before you sign it. Read the total costs and any fees carefully.

What should I do if I was scammed?

Act quickly. The moment you realize you are being scammed or have been scammed, get help right away. The sooner you act, the better your chance of getting some money back.

For example, if you just sent money and think it was a mistake, contact your bank or money transfer service right away.

Use the FTC's “Is it scam?” checklist to help you see the signs of a scam.

How do I report a scam in Virginia?

You can report scams to Virginia and to the federal government. Reporting helps protect other people from the same scam.

In Virginia

File a complaint with the Virginia Office of the Attorney General (OAG). If the scam involves Medicaid or elder abuse, use the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit complaint form.

To the federal government

Report fraud to the FTC. If the scam happened online or involved a crime, also file a report with the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).