Vermont’s 802 area code is seeing a rise in fake subscription renewals and aggressive lawsuit threats. Scammers send fake bills or threaten legal action to trick you into handing over payment details.
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You receive an email or text claiming you've been charged for a service like McAfee Total Protection or Geek Squad, or for a product like a Microsoft Surface Pro. The message states hundreds of dollars like $296.55, $399, or $4,063.50 will be auto-debited and tells you to call a specific 802 number within 24 hours to cancel and get a refund. The renewal is often for an odd duration like a "5 years" support plan for McAfee, and the sender's email address is a generic Gmail or a misspelled company name like "msttechnologies.com". When you call the number, they walk you through giving them remote access to your computer or your bank account information to "process the refund." Legitimate companies manage subscriptions through your official online account. They do not send urgent emails with phone numbers as the only way to cancel.
"I am receiving emails from this number saying they are the geek squad and that we just paid over $399 for some warrantee for a computer neither my wife or I bought."
Vermonters receive intimidating robocalls claiming "two cases" or a "civil judgement" have been filed against them. The automated message threatens they will be found at their "place of employment or residence" and urges an immediate call back to avoid further action. The pre-recorded message mentions legal action without identifying the company or case details, uses threatening language like "when we find you," and asks you to call back to "verify your address" to file charges in your county. When you call back, they use your address and personal information to make the threats sound more credible and demand immediate payment. Real process servers deliver documents in person without calling first. They show up.
"Call from 802-992-9656 saying 'cases against me'....and they 'will find me'.....come on - I'm right here. lol"
Scammers call residents claiming they've won a PCH "superprize" of $2.5 million and a new Mercedes Benz. The caller identifies as "Mark Johnson" or "Andrew Goldberg" and instructs the victim to send a "processing fee" of several hundred dollars like $350 or $450. They promise a briefcase filled with thousands in cash will be delivered to your door and tell you to call a specific representative like "Mark Johnson" in a "Las Vegas Office." They use your processing fee payment to steal more money from your bank account or sell your financial information. Publishers Clearing House never calls winners of major prizes. For prizes over $5,000, the PCH Prize Patrol shows up at your door unannounced.
"Only hitch, I would need to send 350$ for processing fees in-order to expedite the process. I told them to take the fee from the briefcase and ring my doorbell when they get here!"
Scammers specifically target elderly Vermonters with calls about "upgrading" their satellite or cable equipment from providers like DirecTV or Xfinity. The caller, sometimes using the name "James Shawn," pressures the victim by saying their service will be cut off "after Thursday" if they don't pay. They demand a check for several hundred dollars like $240 to $375 be mailed to an out-of-state address in New Jersey or New York, made out to a company like "STV Teck" or "SVT TECK." The mailing address is for a residence, not a corporate office. They use your mailed check to drain your bank account and steal your personal information. Major service providers handle all billing through your official account. They will never demand a check be mailed to someone's home address.
"Called my 78 year old mother and told her he was with Directv and needed to update her equipment. She had to mail him a check for $375 to 2445 Bedford Place, Bellmore, NY 117110."
A robocall claims to be from the Social Security Administration and warns of "suspicious activity" linked to your Social Security Number. The caller ID may show up as "SSI" or "Unassigned," and a recorded message threatens that your Social Security number will be canceled or suspended. In some versions, a caller with a foreign accent asks questions to see if you "qualify for social security benefits" and asks you to confirm your SSN. They use your Social Security number to steal your identity and open accounts in your name. The Social Security Administration communicates via postal mail for official business. They never call to threaten your benefits or demand money.
"Claimed was from Social Security Administration and there was suspicious activity regarding SSN...right!"
These are frequent, annoying robocalls about an "extended warranty" for your car. The calls often come from multiple different 802 numbers, making them difficult to block. The caller uses vague terms like "Dealer Service Center" or "Auto warranty service" and calls relentlessly, sometimes several times a day from slightly different numbers. Sometimes they ask if you drive a certain vehicle and hang up if you question who they are. They sell you overpriced and often worthless service contracts that provide no real coverage. These calls are almost never from your car's actual manufacturer or dealer. They use aggressive and often illegal tactics.
"I keep blocking the numbers that call wanting to sell me warranty protection for my car. I keep blocking the numbers but then they use another number. This one was the latest number I've blocked."
No, area code 802 is not a scam. It's a legitimate telephone area code serving millions of legitimate residents and businesses in Vermont, United States. Area code 802 is a general purpose code that has been in service since January 1, 1947.
You're likely experiencing "Neighbor Spoofing." Scammers fake their caller ID to display local or familiar numbers. If you live in or near Vermont (Burlington, South Burlington, Rutland), or have a 802 phone number yourself, scammers know you're more likely to answer what appears to be a local call.