From the office of the DC Attorney General:
“Attorney General Brian L. Schwalb today issued a consumer alert warning District residents of a new scam in which threatening text messages, claiming to be from a government toll collection agency, are sent to residents as part of an illegal, widespread effort to steal individual’s financial information. (more…)
“Dear PoPville,
I think there might be a new scam in town. Yesterday by 14th and RI around 7:30am this woman walked up to me looking flustered and said her wallet and purse were just stolen, but she had her phone. She was asking for money to get a cab to Bethesda when I said I didn’t have cash she asked if I had cash app or Zelle (which I don’t). She was very insistent that I go to an atm with her 2 blocks up and when I told her I don’t have a debit card but we should stop into one of the surrounding businesses and see if they can call her a cab she was just very insistent that I give her money and reiterated the ATM. Once I told her I didn’t have a debit card again she kind of dropped the act and said “I’ll just keep asking people” and walked away. Anyway, I just walked past her again today carrying a wad of cash but in the same dress and talking on the phone. (more…)
From DC AG Brian Schwalb:
“Scammers are using new technology to create fake audio and videos that sound or look like people and organizations you trust.
These are deepfake phone scams, and they target DC residents — especially senior citizens
Here is how to detect and prevent these scams: (more…)
Ed. Note: MPD warned of a “Jury Duty Phone Scam” back in March.
“Dear PoPville,
Thought I’d throw this out there. I just received a call from a DC number (202) from a gentlemen claiming to be a DC police officer Andrew L., badge # saying I missed jury duty. Interestingly enough, I was summoned for jury duty in april, then postponed to May, then was told I did not have to report on the date of my service once I registered the night before (followed all protocol). (more…)
“Dear PoPville,
This has been making the rounds with some friends, so I wanted to share for exposure… (more…)
From MPD:
“Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department’s Financial and Cyber Crimes Unit seek the community’s assistance in identifying and locating suspects who used card skimming devices in Establishments in the District.
In the below offenses, a skimmer was located, inside of an establishment, by an employee. MPD responded to the locations and seized the card skimmer as evidence. (more…)
FBI Baltimore warns: “Avoid using free charging stations in airports, hotels, or shopping centers. Bad actors have figured out ways to use public USB ports to introduce malware and monitoring software onto devices that access these ports. Carry your own charger and use an electrical outlet instead.”
From MPD:
“The Metropolitan Police Department is warning the public of a jury duty phone scam.
Phone scammers impersonate members of MPD and attempt to extort people by claiming an arrest warrant has been issued against them for not appearing at a jury duty summons. The scammer then asks for money to remove the warrant.
The Metropolitan Police Department will never solicit anyone for monetary funds, bank information, or social security numbers.
If you happen to receive unsolicited phone calls similar in nature: (more…)
Photo by Eric P.
From DC Water:
“DC Water is warning customers that scammers claiming to represent the utility may be calling and asking for credit card or bank account information. DC Water has received a few reports from customers who stated they received a call that appeared to be from a DC Water number, demanding payment for continued water service. However, DC Water did not make the calls.
Customers should be aware of the following information: (more…)
Photo by Erin
Thanks to C. for sending yesterday afternoon:
“Wobbly wheel guy is back at it again. Still a beat up white suv. At Mass and 2nd NW.”