10/16/2026
Today was a reminder of just how important it is to stay vigilant, even when something initially appears legitimate. We came VERY close to being scammed while attempting to arrange a transportation booking.
At first, the emails seemed believable. But as the conversation continued, several red flags appeared that made us stop, take a closer look, and question the entire request. 🚩
Here are the warning signs we encountered:
🚩 A familiar address that didn't add up. The emails eventually included an address we know very well. However, the name provided did not match anyone living at that address. That immediately raised a HUGE red flag.
🚩 Unusual payment requests. The person arranging the trip requested payment through PayPal and Zelle.
🚩 No verifiable contact information. We were provided ZERO contact information for the patient or the caregiver. No reliable way to verify the individuals involved or confirm the transportation details.
When you put all these pieces together, something simply wasn't right. We trusted our instincts, slowed down, and started asking questions.
❤️ As a small, family-owned business, we work hard to provide safe, reliable, compassionate transportation to the people who depend on us. Protecting our patients, our team, and our business is part of that responsibility.
A FEW IMPORTANT REMINDERS WHEN BOOKING TRANSPORTATION:
✅ Verify the identity of the person arranging the trip.
✅ Confirm the patient's identity, address, and caregiver contact information.
✅ Be cautious of unusual payment requests, especially when combined with other inconsistencies.
✅ Never let someone pressure you into rushing through the booking process.
✅ If something doesn't feel right, STOP and ask questions!
Scammers can use familiar addresses, convincing stories, and details that make a request appear legitimate. Just because someone provides a real address doesn't mean the person they're claiming to represent actually lives there.
Your safety matters more than completing a booking. Every single time.
We're sharing this experience to help other small businesses and transportation providers stay alert. We were fortunate to recognize the warning signs before moving forward, and we hope this reminder helps someone else avoid becoming a victim.
🚐 At TransCare VT, we believe in taking care of people, and that starts with making sure every trip is legitimate and safe.
Trust your instincts. Verify the details. Never ignore the red flags.
Stay safe out there, everyone! ❤️
— Your team at TransCare VT
