McGraw
CHARLESTON -- West Virginia Attorney General Darrell McGraw is warning consumers of a telephone scam which preys on consumers who misdial common toll-free numbers.
The Consumer Protection Division received reports that consumers attempted to call Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack and Resort in Chester, but instead reached a sales agent offering special deals on travel packages, gift cards, and other products, for a small fee payable by credit card. Consumers repeatedly asked whether the offers were affiliated with Mountaineer, but the operators apparently avoided the subject and never denied affiliation. Learning about the calls, Mountaineer realized that consumers had misdialed the correct number by only one digit.
McGraw warns consumers to be wary of anyone who asks for credit card information over the telephone. It is always prudent to double check the identity of those on the telephone before giving out personal information, even in situations where the consumer has placed the call.
"Scams like this can happen to anyone and it is destructive when personal information is given to the wrong person," McGraw said in a press release. "Be alert and cautious when revealing credit card, Social Security, and account numbers. This can be used to steal your identity, potentially harming your credit record for years."
