“Act Now to Avoid Arrest”: The Law Enforcement Scam

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Fairfax County, VA- Scammers will go to any length to intimidate, trick, or deceive victims. The scams vary in their scenario, but one aspect remains the same: the false sense of urgency they try to convey to the victims. One common scam is the law enforcement scam.

Law Enforcement Impersonation Scams

In the law enforcement scam, victims are contacted by phone, email, or in person, by a person claiming to represent the police or other government agencies. These scammers often use intimidation tactics, such as threatening arrest or legal action if you fail to comply with their demands. They may tell you a family member has been arrested or involved in a crash that requires immediate financial assistance. The scammers demand money, gift cards, cryptocurrency, or even gold to avoid arrest.

Remember, the police will never call you to ask for money, demand immediate payment to resolve legal issues or offer to drop charges or warrants in exchange for payment. If you get a call about a family member being arrested or in a crash, hang up and call them immediately.

How can you protect yourself?

Remember these tips and share them with your family members to help avoid falling victim to a scam.

1. Verify the Caller’s Identity: If you receive a suspicious call, ask for the caller’s name, badge number, and department. Hang up and independently verify their identity by calling the official non-emergency number of that specific agency. Scammers will spoof real government phone numbers in an attempt to legitimize their scheme.

2. Stay Calm and Skeptical: Scammers often use intimidation tactics to pressure victims and keep them on the phone for long periods of time during the scam. Remember, legitimate authorities will not rush you into making payments or divulging personal information.

3. Guard Personal Information: Avoid sharing sensitive information like social security numbers, banking details, or personal identification numbers (PINs) over the phone.

4. Question Unsolicited Offers: Be wary of unexpected calls or messages claiming you’ve won a prize, inherited money, or that you are entitled to refunds. Always verify the authenticity of such claims. Remember, if it sounds too good to be true – it probably is.

5. Gift Card Payments: Legitimate organizations and agencies do not request payment via gift cards or cryptocurrency. Treat this demand as a red flag and refrain from making any transactions.

6. Educate Yourself: Stay informed about the latest scams and fraud tactics circulating in your area.

Report Suspicious Activity:

If you suspect a scam or have fallen victim to one, report it immediately to the appropriate authorities. You can file a report with FCPD’s Financial Crimes Unit through their online portal here.

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