The Alexandria Sheriff’s Office is warning local residents to be wary of an ongoing phone scam in which suspects pose as local law enforcement and coerce victims into giving money.
The Sheriff’s Office warned the scam has been occurring throughout the region, including in Alexandria.
“Scams have variations but generally the caller will identify themself as a law enforcement officer and tell the victim, falsely, that a warrant has been issued because they missed a court date, did not show up for jury duty, have an overdue fine or something similar, and they will be arrested unless they pay right away,” the release said.
The notice from the real Sheriff’s Office said the fake calls often use names of real deputies or police officers and can disguise the phone number to make it look like it’s from a local law enforcement agency.
The warning noted that callers intimidate victims by demanding payment and threatening them with arrest if they do not cooperate.
“They may demand that fines or fees by paid with money, credit cards, gift cards, payment apps, or even cryptocurrency,” the warning said, “but no legitimate law enforcement agency in Virginia or in the region will ever call someone and demand money.”
The alert said anyone who has been a victim of the scam should notify their bank and report it to the police at 703 746 4444.
“The best way for someone to protect themselves from these scams is simply to hang up,” said Sheriff Sean Casey. “Don’t let your guard down and don’t be intimidated into providing personal details or financial information. Real deputies are not going to call you and threaten you with arrest, so just hang up if you get a call like that.”
