Jean Britt sat quietly taking notes Thursday as Vermont law enforcement agents spoke about a new phone scam affecting millions of Americans.
It's a scam Britt knows all too well.
"They are so good at what they do," said Britt.
Nearly three weeks ago the Castleton woman got a call that her grandson was in trouble.
She then wired money to what she thought was his attorney.
"Coming home from sending the last payment that's when I said, "Oh Jean you've been scammed," said Britt.
And not for a little bit of money.
"I lost thousands," said Britt.
Britt then wondered if she'd ever get it back.
"What to do I do now? Who do I call," said Britt?
Questions the Vermont attorney general, Rutland Police and Fair Point Communications are answering.
First thing first, according to Attorney General William Sorrell, if you see the area code 876 pop up on your phone do not answer.
It's usually a scammer, and get this numbers with that code call the United States 300,000 times a day.
In Vermont he says at least a thousand people have fallen victim to the scam over the past two years.
"If you're victimized by a phone scam they money you wire is gone," said Sorrell.
There are some things you can do to protect yourself.
Sorrell says make sure you have caller ID on your phone.
Also, have the phone company block international calls.
Another thing Sorrell says don't be embarrassed to tell someone.
For Britt, she's glad she's learning more to protect herself in the future.
"First thing I'm doing is getting caller ID," said Britt.
Learn more about the 876 scam:
www.bewareof876.org
