Montgomery, AL – Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall is urging residents to remain vigilant as increasingly sophisticated phone scams continue to target consumers across the state. Fraudsters are using deceptive tactics to trick victims into sending money, purchasing gift cards, or making cryptocurrency transactions under false pretenses.
“If you receive a call that sounds strange, makes an offer that seems too good to be true, or pressures you into sending money—hang up immediately,” said Attorney General Marshall. “Do not provide personal or financial information over the phone, and never agree to send money via Bitcoin machines, gift cards, or wire transfers. Scammers prey on fear and urgency. If you ever feel unsure about a call, take a step back, hang up, and contact our office. Staying informed is the best way to protect yourself from becoming a victim.”
Alabama consumers have reported several types of scam calls, including:
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Computer and Tech Support Scams – Fraudsters pose as tech support representatives from well-known companies, falsely claiming that a victim’s computer has a virus and requesting remote access or payment.
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Sweepstakes & Lottery Scams – Victims are told they have won a prize but must pay fees or taxes upfront to claim their winnings.
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Cryptocurrency and Gift Card Scams – Scammers instruct victims to deposit money into Bitcoin kiosks or purchase gift cards as payment—both common red flags.
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Toll Scams – Fraudulent text messages claim recipients owe unpaid toll fees and demand immediate payment. Legitimate toll authorities mail official notices to the registered vehicle owner.
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Jury Duty Scams – Scammers falsely claim a victim missed jury duty and must pay a fine immediately over the phone to avoid an arrest warrant. Legitimate jury duty notifications and fines are never handled this way.
To protect against these scams, Attorney General Marshall advises Alabamians to:
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Hang up if a caller pressures you to act immediately or requests unusual payment methods.
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Never give personal information, such as Social Security numbers or banking details, over the phone.
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Verify the caller by contacting the company or agency directly using an official phone number.
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Avoid granting remote access to your computer unless you initiated contact with a trusted company.
By staying informed and cautious, Alabamians can help prevent falling victim to these evolving scams.
