Fake state-representative insurance or subsidy call
In 2026, West Virginia's attorney general reported a new tactic: callers posing as state representatives and offering insurance or other subsidies. One person said they got about 70 live calls from spoofed in-state numbers.
How it works
The call appears to come from a familiar state area code and is live, not a robocall. The caller claims to represent the state and offers insurance or subsidies. Because the number looks local and the person is speaking with you, the pitch can feel official. West Virginia's Consumer Protection Division received 401 scam reports in August 2026 and listed this impersonation among the top new complaints. A real state office will not unexpectedly sell you insurance over the phone or need you to share personal information on a surprise call. Hang up and call the official office using a number you look up yourself.
Red flags
- An unexpected live call claims to be from a state representative or state office.
- Caller ID shows a local or in-state number you do not recognize as official.
- The person offers insurance, subsidies, or other benefits and wants personal information.
- The same caller keeps ringing back.
What to do
- Hang up. Do not provide personal or financial information.
- If you want to check, call the official state office or your representative using a number from a government website.
- Report the calls to your state attorney general. West Virginians can call 1-800-368-8808 or use ago.wv.gov.
- Also report them at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
Where to report it
- reportfraud.ftc.gov — the FTC's report form.
- ic3.gov — the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center.