State news
West Virginia Warns of 'You've Won' Scams Using Video Calls
Scammers are starting WhatsApp and FaceTime calls with a blank screen while they watch the person they call.
West Virginia's attorney general is warning residents about a new version of the "you've won" scam. The caller starts a WhatsApp or FaceTime video call, usually from an email address, and leaves their own screen black. The person who answers can see nothing, but the caller can see them.
The warning came after the office received 401 scam reports in August. Sweepstakes and lottery scams were among the five most common.
How the scam works
The pitch is familiar: you have won a prize, but you need to pay something first, such as taxes, a fee or a "release" charge. The video call is meant to feel more personal and more urgent than an email.
What this means for players
You never have to pay to collect a real lottery prize. If anyone asks, hang up. If you want to check, call the organization back on a number you already know is genuine, because caller ID can be faked.
Scams can be reported to the West Virginia Attorney General's office or to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
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