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Police warn of scams
Although there haven’t been any recent incidents here, police want to make citizens aware of two scams that have been reported in surrounding counties.
“This is the time of year when a lot of scams occur,” Warrenton Police Chief Connie Novak said.
In an informational bulletin distributed last week, Warrenton police said there have been reported cases of men targeting senior citizens in Front Royal and Stafford and Prince William counties. The perpetrators are offering home repairs or posing as town or county workers.
On Sept. 25, a man allegedly approached a home in the Town of Front Royal and told the homeowners he was a town employee. The man, who was driving a blue or grayish station wagon, asked the homeowners if they could show him the boundary lines for their property. Once he had them in the back yard, he stayed on his cell phone the whole time.
The man reportedly changed his story about who he worked for, and left on foot when the homeowners became uneasy. When they went back inside, the residents noticed jewelry and money had been stolen from the house, police said.
The suspect was described as a short Indian male with a small build. He had a mustache and spoke very good English.
Another recent incident in Prince William County involved two men posing as workers for a contracting company. They reportedly told the victims the roof needed to be fixed. After the “inspection” the victim noticed money had been stolen.
Residents are being advised to check the type of vehicles people who claim to be town or county employees are driving. The car should have a government license plate and the county or town seal on the door.
If someone claims to work for the town or county, verify their employment by asking to see an identification card. Call their office before allowing them into your home.
Police are also urging homeowners to be cautious of someone who stops by to offer repairs without being asked, and to lock the door if they ask you to go outside.
Finally, police remind residents to set up a time for a future appointment so you have the opportunity to check out the company, and to never leave anyone alone in your home.
All suspicious activity should be reported immediately by calling (540) 347-1100, (540) 347-3300, or 911 if a crime is in progress.
E-mail the reporter: abogdanovic@timespapers.com
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