Latest Senior Scams in Virginia
In December 2016, the Richmond, Virginia Sheriff’s Office says a scammer is calling residents and demanding money for missing jury duty. Victims are told that they missed jury duty and must pay $1,000 to $3,000 to avoid jail time. The scammer demands the 'fine' in cash, a Money Pack or a Green Dot card. A spokesman for the Sheriff's Office said there is no charge for missing jury duty and anyone who receives a call like this should contact the city jury office. In Frederick County, Virginia, deputies said scammers have been tricking senior citizens into giving them thousands of dollars in gift cards. The scammer pretends to be associated with a nonprofit organization and asks the victim to purchase the gift card on the group's behalf, which the senior citizens believed was benefiting the less fortunate. Always contact your local police department if you are unsure.
In October 2016, the Leesburg, Virginia Police Department saw an increase in the number of phone scams targeting area residents, where scammers pose as representatives of Dominion Power and request immediate payment on “delinquent accounts”. Dominion tells customers to be wary of calls requesting immediate payment through prepaid credit cards or gift cards. Customers can call 1-866-DOM-HELP ( (1-866-366-4357) to verify if a call is legitimate.
Another scam involves calls that appear to come from the IRS where the caller demands payment for delinquent taxes, according to police. The scammer tells victims to buy gift cards to make payment.
A red flag should go up If somebody calls you and tells you that you've won something but you never entered the contest. If you're being asked for money and the caller tells you that you'll get money back later, it's most likely a scam. Never, ever give any of your information out if you get a call and are not sure who is on the other end of the line. Many calls start out with the caller asking for someone by name. Even if it's your name, you should reply by asking who the caller is, what company they are with, and what they want. Don't feel obligated to stay on the phone. Just hang up!