Post Content

Alexandria Woman Reports Publishers Clearing House Scam

Alexandria Police are investigating a scam against a city resident, in which she reported losing $11,800 to someone claiming to be a representative of the Publishers Clearing House sweepstakes.

The victim reported to police on April 9 that she received a call telling her that she was the winner of Publisher’s Clearing House’s grand prize, but that in order to get the funds she would have to pay taxes beforehand, according to the police search warrant affidavit.

The victim spoke with more than one individual from different phone numbers instructing her to deposit $3,500 in a TD bank account, followed by a check for $8,500 to an address in the Bronx, New York. She was told that the money would then be deposited into her account, according to the affidavit.

The victim reportedly provided the scammers with her full name, bank account information and pin number and the last four digits of her Social Security number. She later realized there was a problem when her account password and email address were changed, according to police.

The city is warning residents against scams, as the coronavirus pandemic creates an opportunity for some to take advantage of the crisis.

Earlier this week, the Del Ray Business Association warned against a phishing scam that reportedly took advantage of one resident.

According to the city, common examples of scams include:

  • Fake “test kits” or cures
  • Illegitimate health organizations
  • Malicious websites or applications that claim to share COVID-19 information but steal personal information or install malware; and fraudulent charities.
  • Emails with a COVID-19-related subject line, attachment or hyperlink.
  • Fake phone calls, emails, or texts trying to get to revealing sensitive information or donating to fraudulent charities or causes

Recent Stories

A look at the smallest and largest homes sold in Alexandria last month, February 2024.

Alexandria City Council members and candidates are opening up about their positions on the city backing out of the Potomac Yard arena deal. Mayor Justin Wilson said that the city…

Here’s a roundup of all the events, live music, and entertainment happening around Alexandria this weekend; enjoy!  Are you organizing an event? Submit events to ALXnow. FRIDAY, MARCH 29 Things…

The Alexandria Police Department and Alexandria Commonwealth Attorney’s Office were recently awarded large grants to curb a skyrocketing surge in gun-related crime incidents in the city. The Virginia Department of…

Well-Paid Maids, the only certified living-wage cleaning service in the DMV, has added a new service to its online booking menu: office and building cleanings.

This includes offices, building lobbies, shared amenity spaces and more throughout D.C., Arlington, Alexandria and more.

Unlike so many other cleaning services, you can feel good booking Well-Paid Maids to clean your office or building. Cleaners get paid a starting wage of $24 an hour. Plus, all employees are offered health, dental, vision and life insurance; 24 paid days off per year; 100% employer-paid commuting costs; and more.

Read More

Submit your own Community Post here.

ShawnMikael[s] and Friends

For their first show at the hallowed Galatic Panther in Old Town Alexandria, ShawnMikael[s] is inviting a bevy of brilliantly funny and field-tested stand-up and improv talent, including some veteran improv performers who were part of this year’s winning team

Scholarship Fund of Alexandria Annual Gala & Auction

Do good while having a good time at the Scholarship Fund of Alexandria’s 38th Annual Gala and Auction at the Hilton Alexandria Mark Center. The fun begins with a 2-hour open bar reception while mingling with 499 other Alexandrians who

×

Subscribe to our mailing list