SCAM ALERT

Scam Alerts:  Receiving Unwanted Phone Calls Appearing to be from VGH?

We have had reports of VGH phone numbers being “spoofed”—that is, someone has disguised their phone number as a VGH phone number and is calling people for addresses or possible personal information. Even though the number appears to be a VGH number, these calls are not from the VGH.

 

When VGH does call, VGH staff will: give their first names, provide department and provide a call-back number if you are questioning the validity of the call.

• Report telephone scams online to the Federal Trade Commission. You can also call 1-877-382-4357 (TTY: 1-866-653-4261). The FTC is the primary government agency that collects scam complaints.
• Report all robocalls and unwanted telemarketing calls to the Do Not Call Registry.
• Report caller ID spoofing to the Federal Communications Commission. You can report either online or by phone at 1-888-225-5322 (TTY: 1-888-835-5322).

For more help in resolving consumer issues, you can report scams to your state consumer protection office.

Protect Yourself from Telephone Scams:

Remember these tips to avoid being a victim of a telephone scam:

Do:

• • Register your phone number with the National Do Not Call Registry. You may register online or by calling 1-888-382-1222 (TTY: 1-866-290-4236). If you still receive telemarketing calls after registering, there’s a good chance that the calls are scams.
  • Be wary of callers claiming that you’ve won a prize or vacation package.
  • Hang up on suspicious phone calls.
  • Be cautious of caller ID. Scammers can change the phone number that shows up on your caller ID screen. This is called “spoofing.”
  • Independently research business opportunities, charities, or travel packages that the caller offers.

Don’t:

• • Don’t give in to pressure to take immediate action.
  • Don’t say anything if a caller starts the call asking, “Can you hear me?” This is a common tactic for scammers to record you saying “yes.” Scammers record your “yes” response and use it as proof that you agreed to a purchase or credit card charge.
  • Don’t provide your credit card number, bank account information, or other personal information to a caller.
  • Don’t send money if a caller tells you to wire money or pay with a prepaid debit card.