Spotting Scams: Navigating Law Enforcement Impersonators

Posted on by

Fairfax County, VA – FCPD’s Financial Crimes Unit is working to ensure that community members never fall victim to scams of impersonators claiming to be law enforcement officers.  The unit wants to educate the public on identifying and recognizing these scammers and how to report them.  

What is the Scam?

This common financial scam involves a suspect contacting victims by phone or email, posing as police or government agents. The suspect informs the victim they have outstanding legal obligations, such as unpaid fines for fictitious traffic and arrest violations.  The suspect demands the victim to pay to resolve the obligation by purchasing gift cards and cryptocurrency, initiating bank wirings, and providing payment through financial applications.   

The suspect then uses intimidation tactics, such as threats of arrest or legal consequences, to coerce victims into complying with their demands and receiving payment.

How Do I Prevent the Scam?

The police will NEVER ask you for money or demand immediate payment in the form of gift cards, cryptocurrency, or other financial options to resolve the issue.

  • Verify Caller 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 our non-emergency line at 703-691-2131. Scammers will spoof real government phone numbers in an attempt to legitimize their scheme.
  • Stay Calm and Cautious: Approach these calls with caution, especially those prompting immediate action or requesting sensitive information. Remember, legitimate authorities will not rush you into making payments or divulging personal information.
  • Educate Yourself: Be sure to stay informed about common scamming techniques and share this information with family members and friends, especially those who may be more vulnerable to scams.
  • Report Suspicious Activity: If you suspect a scam or have fallen victim to one in Fairfax County, report it to FCPD’s Financial Crimes Unit through our online portal here. If you are unable to file a report on the computer, call our non-emergency line at 703-691-2131 to have an officer assist you with making a FiCOR report.
  • Don’t Share Personal Information: Never share personal or financial information over the phone unless you initiated the call and are certain of the recipient’s legitimacy.
  • Consult with Family or Friends: Before making any financial decisions, especially those involving large sums or unfamiliar technologies, consult with trusted family members or friends.

If you suspect a scam or have fallen victim to one, report it to FCPD’s Financial Crimes Unit through their online portal here. Consider talking about scam awareness with loved ones who you think may be susceptible to scams like these.

Join us on Neighbors by Ring. A place where you can connect with your neighbors, see what’s happening in your neighborhood and share any available surveillance footage with our department.

For ongoing updates, please read our blog and follow us on X, Facebook and Instagram at @FairfaxCountyPD.