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.”
“Dear PoPville,
I posted a sofa for sale on Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist (Really nice sofa – still for sale!) And immediately got 3-4 replies from people saying they want it but are at work, traveling, whatever, and will Venmo or Zelle me the money and have their nephew/brother pick it up. (more…)
From MPD:
“The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) would like to warn the public about a financial telephone scam, where callers posing as representatives of MPD falsely assert criminal legal action in exchange for monetary funds. (more…)