Vermont residents reported 3,982 scams to the Attorney General’s Consumer Assistance Program (CAP) in 2025, representing a 12% increase from the previous year. The “Computer Tech Support” scam remained the most commonly reported scam for the fifth consecutive year, making up over a quarter of top scam reports. This scheme involves fake alerts about computer problems, such as expiring antivirus software or malware infections.
Debt collection scams appeared on the list for the first time in 2025 and ranked second overall. Another new entry was government imposter scams, where individuals pose as government agencies to request money or personal information. One recent example targeted recipients of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), known locally as 3SquaresVT. In this scam, fraudsters contacted SNAP recipients by text and phone, falsely claiming their benefits were halted unless they provided personal details.
Attorney General Charity Clark stated: “Educating Vermonters is the best way to protect them from scams. If you receive unsolicited calls, emails, or text messages – especially those threatening legal action – do not respond. Slow down and talk with a trusted family member, friend, or call my office’s Consumer Assistance Program for help.”
The CAP Connection blog and Attorney General Clark’s social media provide further information on preventing scams. Vermonters can also sign up for alerts through the VT Scam Alert System via CAP’s scam prevention website. So far, around 9,000 residents have registered for these alerts.
The VT Scam Alert System was created in partnership with Vermont Emergency Management and allows the Attorney General’s Office to send out notifications using features of the VT-ALERT system—the state platform for emergency notifications including severe weather and environmental hazards. Users of VT-ALERT can opt in to receive scam alerts; current users may update their preferences to add this option.
A chart listing Vermont’s Top 10 Scams of 2025 is available on the Attorney General’s website along with detailed guidance on recognizing each type of fraud.
