Elder Abuse Awareness month

Virginia State Police, VSP, Used by permission of VSP

Virginia State Police is recognizing June as Elder Abuse Awareness Month and encouraging residents to remain vigilant against scams and fraud schemes that often target older adults and other vulnerable individuals.

According to state police, scammers frequently use tactics that create a sense of urgency, fear, or excitement to pressure victims into making quick decisions.

Fraudsters may pose as government officials, financial institutions, businesses, or even family members in distress to obtain money or personal information.

Authorities urge residents to independently verify any unexpected request involving financial accounts, passwords, gift cards, money transfers, or sensitive personal information before taking action.

Virginia State Police recommends slowing down before making financial decisions, using strong passwords and two-factor authentication, and discussing common scam tactics with family members and loved ones.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.

Watch out for holiday scams and phone imposters

Shenandoah County Sheriff's Office

The Shenandoah County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) is urging residents to exercise extreme caution this holiday season.

Beyond the imposter scams, the SCSO reminds the community to be vigilant against frauds specific to the holiday shopping and giving season:

  • Online Shopping Fraud: Be wary of deeply discounted items from unfamiliar websites.
    • Scammers often set up fake storefronts to collect credit card information or take payment for goods that are never delivered (non-delivery scams).
    • Always check that a website address begins with https:// and research reviews before making a purchase.
  • Fake Delivery Notifications: With package volumes peaking, residents are receiving phishing texts and emails disguised as alerts from shipping carriers like FedEx, UPS, or the USPS. 
    • These messages usually claim there is an issue with a delivery and include a link to “reschedule” or “confirm” details. Clicking the link leads to a malicious website designed to steal personal or banking information.
    • Never click a link in an unsolicited message; instead, track your package directly through the carrier’s official website.
  • Charity Scams: During the season of goodwill, fraudulent organizations often solicit donations. The SCSO advises residents to only donate to established charities they recognize and to verify the organization’s legitimacy before giving.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.

Top of Virginia TRIAD rechartered to protect seniors

Graphic created by Royal Broadcasting employee Brooke Greene used by permission

The vital collaboration dedicated to protecting older adults in the Shenandoah Valley was formally renewed as the Top of Virginia TRIAD was officially rechartered in a recent ceremony.

This event reaffirms the commitment of local law enforcement and community partners to enhance the safety and quality of life for senior citizens.

The primary mission of TRIAD is to reduce the fear of crime and the criminal victimization of older citizens.

TRIAD is a three-way partnership between local law enforcement, senior citizens, and key advocacy groups.

The recharter solidifies the region’s commitment to continuing crucial programs focused on:

  • Crime prevention education, including awareness of the latest scams and fraud.
  • Improving communication and services between seniors and law enforcement.
  • Connecting seniors with essential local support and victim assistance resources.

By renewing this agreement, regional leaders ensure the TRIAD remains active and equipped to provide a critical safety net for the area’s senior population.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.

VSP highlights new program to fight financial crimes

VSP official patch and logo used by permission by Information Officer Brent Coffey

Virginia State Police highlights a new program to develop agents specialized in fighting financial crimes as Oct. 26 is National Financial Crime Fighter Day.

Financial crimes include crimes such as embezzlement, online scams, insurance fraud, and payroll fraud, and the losses in Virginia can stretch into the millions of dollars.

One stated difficulty in fighting financial crimes is the amount of accounting education necessary for agents to be able to handle these cases.

Recently, Virginia State Police created a new position, the Financial Crimes Special Agent, and started a “Financial Crimes Special Agent Development Program.”

The coursework includes a number of college courses as well as National White Collar Crimes Center courses.

Virginia State Police is covering the cost, and graduates will receive a Certificate in Financial Investigations after finishing the approximately year-and-a-half long program.

The classes are asynchronous and online, which allows the agents to continue serving the Commonwealth while pursuing their education.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.

Front Royal police warn of phone scam

Front Royal Police Department seal used by permission

The Front Royal Police Department is warning of a phone scam in which the caller uses Capt. Brian Whited’s credentials and claims to be the Front Royal police.

The caller demands money and threatens arrest if the person does not comply. Caller ID may show the name and phone number of a legitimate law-enforcement agency.

The Front Royal police will never call someone demanding money, police said, adding that these scams are designed to get people to panic. Police remind residents never to provide or confirm personal information to the scammers.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.

Investigation and trial ends in multiple counts of fraud

The Page County Sheriff Department and the Circuit Court of Page Country have concluded a three-year investigation and the five-day trial of Wayne and Sabrina Knott.

Under the business name of Knott Roofing, they took advance down payments for new roofs.

After several months of receiving complaints that roofs had not been completed and the Knotts would not communicate with them, the Sheriff’s Department opened an investigation.

They were convicted of nearly 100 felony counts of construction fraud, obtaining money by false pretenses, conspiracy to obtain money by false pretenses, and conspiracy to commit construction fraud.

Sentencing will begin February 14, 2024.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.

WCSO seeks public help in identifying suspects

Used by permission by the Warren County Office employee Sergeant Terry Fritts

The Warren County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the public’s help to identify two suspects wanted in a larceny and credit card fraud case.

The two individuals stole five debit/credit cards and $200-$300 from a car parked at Buzzard Rock Trails.

The pair then went to the Target at Crooked Run Plaza in Front Royal to make a purchase of over $2000.

Both suspects are believed to be involved in similar incidents in Warren County and surrounding areas.

Click here to see the security camera photographs of the individuals.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.