The Arlington County Police Department (ACPD) is urging residents to be vigilant against a rise in common scams, providing crucial information to help the community identify, avoid, and report fraudulent activities. Scammers are employing increasingly sophisticated tactics, making it essential for individuals to exercise caution when receiving unsolicited communications.
ACPD highlighted several prevalent schemes, including the "Outstanding Warrant and Jury Duty Scams," where fraudsters impersonate law enforcement to demand immediate payment for alleged fines, often via gift cards or cryptocurrency. The department emphasized that neither ACPD nor the Sheriff’s Office will ever solicit funds or collect fines over the phone, and legitimate juror summonses are always sent by mail.
Another significant threat involves "Bank Account Scams," where criminals pose as bank representatives, claiming accounts are compromised and urging victims to transfer funds. These scammers often use caller ID spoofing to appear legitimate. Residents are advised to hang up and contact their bank directly using official numbers, never providing personal information or verification codes over unsolicited calls or texts.
"Spam Text Messages" also remain a common tactic, with scammers sending fake alerts about account verification, package deliveries, prize winnings, unpaid tolls, or unsolicited job offers. The ACPD warns against clicking links or responding to these messages, advising recipients to block the number and report them to 7726 (SPAM) or the Federal Trade Commission.
To reduce the risk of becoming a victim, ACPD recommends being suspicious of all unsolicited contact, verifying callers directly using official numbers, and never giving money or personal information to unknown parties. The department also advises regularly reviewing credit reports and bank statements for irregular activity and avoiding unusual payment methods like cryptocurrency or gift cards for debt resolution. If you believe you have been scammed, contact your bank immediately and file an online police report or call the Alternative Reporting Unit at 703-228-4300. The ACPD reminds the public that this information is not an exhaustive list of all possible scams and encourages continued vigilance against evolving fraudulent tactics.