Step-by-Step Guide: How to Report Scams in Vermont

If you or a loved one has been targeted by a scam, taking action quickly is important. This guide walks you through exactly what to do and who to contact in Vermont.

Vermont-Specific Reporting: Who to Call First

Vermont is a small state with responsive agencies. Here is the fastest path to help:

For ANY Scam in Vermont – Start Here:

Vermont Attorney General Consumer Assistance Program

  • Phone: (800) 649-2424
  • This is Vermont’s primary consumer protection line
  • They will help route your complaint to the right agency
  • Staffed by Vermonters who understand local context

Vermont Adult Protective Services

If you or a Vermont senior has been exploited financially:

  • APS Hotline: (800) 564-1612
  • Available 24/7 for urgent situations
  • Can dispatch local help if needed

Local Vermont Resources by Region

Chittenden County (Burlington area):

  • Age Well: (802) 865-0360
  • Burlington Police Non-Emergency: (802) 658-2704

Rutland County:

  • Senior Solutions: (802) 775-5556
  • Rutland City Police: (802) 773-1816

Washington County (Montpelier/Barre):

  • Central Vermont Council on Aging: (802) 479-0531

Northeast Kingdom:

  • Northeastern Vermont Area Agency on Aging: (802) 748-5182

Before You Report: Gather Your Information

Collect as much of the following as possible:

  • Phone numbers, emails, or social media profiles used by the scammer
  • Dates and times of all contact
  • Screenshots of messages, emails, or websites
  • Bank statements showing any transfers or payments
  • Gift card receipts (keep the cards too)
  • Any names, company names, or badge numbers given
  • Wire transfer confirmation numbers
  • Written notes about what was said

Step 1: Secure Your Accounts (Do This First)

Before reporting, protect yourself from further harm:

If You Shared Passwords or Login Information

  • Change passwords immediately on email, banking, and social media
  • Enable two-factor authentication where available
  • Check for unauthorized account access

If You Shared Financial Information

  • Call your bank fraud department immediately
  • Request a freeze on your accounts if needed
  • Cancel and replace any compromised cards

If You Shared Your Social Security Number

Place a credit freeze with all three bureaus:

Step 2: Report to Federal Agencies

FTC – Federal Trade Commission (Report All Scams Here)

  • Website: reportfraud.ftc.gov
  • What happens: Your report goes into a database used by law enforcement nationwide
  • Important: This is the primary federal reporting site for all scams

FBI IC3 – Internet Crime Complaint Center

  • Website: ic3.gov
  • For: Internet-based scams, online fraud, email scams
  • What happens: FBI reviews for patterns and large-scale fraud operations

Specific Scam Type Reporting

  • Investment fraud: SEC at sec.gov/tcr
  • Medicare fraud: 1-800-HHS-TIPS (1-800-447-8477)
  • Social Security impersonation: oig.ssa.gov
  • IRS impersonation: tigta.gov

Step 3: Report to Vermont Agencies

Vermont Attorney General – Consumer Assistance Program

  • Phone: (800) 649-2424
  • Website: ago.vermont.gov/consumer-protection
  • What happens: May investigate scams affecting Vermont residents, can take legal action against scammers operating in Vermont

Vermont Adult Protective Services

  • Phone: (800) 564-1612
  • For: Vermonters age 60 and older who have been exploited
  • What happens: Can provide support services and investigate financial exploitation

Vermont Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP)

  • Phone: (888) 865-2683
  • For: Medicare fraud, suspicious Medicare charges, identity theft involving Medicare

Step 4: Report to Local Police

Filing a local police report creates an official record. This may be needed for:

  • Insurance claims
  • Bank fraud investigations
  • Credit bureau disputes
  • Legal proceedings

Vermont Local Police Non-Emergency Numbers:

  • Burlington Police: (802) 658-2704
  • South Burlington Police: (802) 846-4111
  • Rutland City Police: (802) 773-1816
  • Vermont State Police: (802) 244-8727

Step 5: Contact Your Financial Institutions

If you sent money or shared financial information:

  • Call your bank fraud department – request investigation
  • Ask about chargebacks for credit card payments
  • For wire transfers – ask to recall the wire (most effective within 24 hours)
  • For gift cards – contact the gift card company (recovery is rare but possible)
  • Get documentation of all reports filed with your bank

What Happens After You Report

Be realistic about outcomes:

  • Most scammers are overseas – arrest and prosecution is difficult
  • Money recovery is rare – especially for wire transfers and gift cards
  • Your report helps others – patterns are identified, warnings are issued
  • Quick action matters – wire transfers can sometimes be stopped within 24-48 hours
  • Credit card payments have the best recovery chances through chargebacks

Get Emotional Support

Being scammed is traumatic. It is not your fault. These resources can help:

  • National Elder Fraud Hotline: (833) 372-8311 – trained counselors available
  • AARP Fraud Victim Support: (877) 908-3360
  • Vermont 211: Dial 2-1-1 for local support services
  • Vermont Crisis Line: (800) 273-8255

Reporting Checklist

Use this checklist to track your reports:

  • ☐ Secured accounts and changed passwords
  • ☐ Placed credit freeze (if SSN was shared)
  • ☐ Reported to FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov
  • ☐ Reported to FBI IC3 at ic3.gov (for online scams)
  • ☐ Contacted Vermont Attorney General: (800) 649-2424
  • ☐ Contacted Vermont Adult Protective Services: (800) 564-1612
  • ☐ Filed local police report
  • ☐ Notified bank/credit card companies
  • ☐ Saved confirmation numbers from all reports

Free Training Available

Take our free online training to protect yourself from future scams:

→ Start Free Online Scam Prevention Training

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