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.

Scams on the elderly costs millions in Virginia

News to know valley graphic created by Royal Broadcasting employee Brooke Greene used by permission

The Virginia Sheriff’s Institute reports that senior citizens in Virginia have experienced significant financial losses due to elder fraud, with total reported losses exceeding $106 million for residents aged 60 and older in 2024 alone.

Virginia ranked 11th nationwide in elder fraud losses for that year, according to data reported to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).

Important Statics:

  • In 2024, nearly 4,000 residents aged 60 and older in Virginia reported losses totaling $106,575,141 from scams.
  • Across all ages, total reported fraud losses nationwide reached a record $12.5 billion in 2024. Older adults often report losing higher median amounts per scam compared to younger age groups.
  • High-loss scams targeting seniors often involve impersonation (pretending to be government officials, banks, or tech support), romance scams, and investment scams, including cryptocurrency.
  •  Scammers use tactics to create a sense of urgency and fear, such as claiming accounts have been compromised or a relative is in trouble, to pressure victims into sending money.

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.

Sheriff Crystal Cline’s scam warning

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

Sheriff Crystal Cline is warning residents to stay alert as a surge of new phone scams sweeps through our area.

Sheriff Cline warns of scammers using clever tactics to target residents, including phone calls, texts, and emails posing as the sheriff’s office, demanding payments and personal information.

Some scams go so far as to threaten arrests or legal trouble if you don’t comply.

Sheriff Cline wants to remind everyone:

  • Never give out your personal or financial information over the phone or online unless you’re sure who you’re dealing with.
  •  The sheriff’s office will never demand payment or sensitive details by phone, and will never threaten to arrest you this way.
  •  If you get a suspicious call, hang up right away and contact the sheriff’s office directly to check.
  • And don’t forget to report any scam attempts to local law enforcement. You could help stop someone else from becoming a victim.

The sheriff’s office has already received several reports from concerned citizens and is working alongside other authorities to investigate.

Sheriff Cline encourages everyone, especially seniors, who are often targeted, to share this warning with friends, family, and neighbors.

If you think you’ve been contacted by a scammer or have lost money to a scam, get in touch with the sheriff’s office immediately.

All reports are taken seriously and will be thoroughly investigated.

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

Winchester warns citizens of scams involving city projects

The City of Winchester warns citizens to stay alert for scams involving city projects.

The city has taken reports of door to door or other communications from scammers attempting to sell products and services.

The perpetrators are using false information involving city projects to try to sell these products.

If you have been approached or have questions about the legitimacy of the attempt, contact the city of Winchester.

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

FCSD warns residents: Over $10 billion lost to scams in 2023

The Frederick County Sheriff’s Department is urging residents to remain vigilant against scams after individuals across the country lost over $10 billion to fraudulent schemes in 2023. Scammers are using increasingly sophisticated tactics to target victims, and the department is providing critical reminders to help the community avoid falling prey to these cons.

Common Scams to Watch Out For

  1. Employment Scams
    Be cautious of online job ads, especially those offering “personal assistant” positions. If it sounds too good to be true, it likely is.
  2. Gift Card Scams
    Scammers often request victims to purchase gift cards and share the card details. Remember, no legitimate request will ever involve payment through gift cards.
  3. Pop-Up Scams
    If you see a suspicious pop-up message on your computer, do not engage. Restart your computer and move on.
  4. Text Message Scams
    If you receive a text claiming your financial account has been used fraudulently, do not respond or call the number provided. Instead, contact your financial institution directly using an official number.
  5. Phone Call Scams
    • If someone calls requesting money, hang up immediately.
    • Law Enforcement: Local law enforcement will never call you asking for money.
    • Utility Companies: Utility providers will not demand payment through unconventional methods like Bitcoin or gift cards.
    • Cartel Threats: If a caller claims to be from a cartel threatening harm to your loved ones unless you pay, contact law enforcement immediately.
    • Social Security Administration: If you’re told your Social Security number has been stolen, hang up and report the call to local authorities.
  6. Sweepstakes Scams
    You can’t win a contest you didn’t enter. If someone claims you’ve won and asks for money to claim your prize, it’s a scam.

Protect Yourself

The Frederick County Sheriff’s Department advises residents to trust their instincts and remain skeptical of unsolicited communications. If something doesn’t feel right:

 

  • Hang up.
  • Verify the information with trusted sources, such as the official website or customer service number of a business.
  • Contact your local law enforcement if you have any doubts or concerns.

By staying informed and vigilant, you can protect yourself and your loved ones from falling victim to scams. For more information or assistance, contact your local police department. 

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.

Be vigilant this holiday season for scammers

Tis the season for scammers.

Because of artificial intelligence, borderless currency, and the internet, more people than ever before are trying to hustle, steal, and defraud, the Federal Trade Commission warns.

The convenience of doing all your business online creates more
opportunities for scammers.

If someone calls from a company or non-profit, don’t assume they
actually represent that institution.

Call the organization’s main number.

Never open attachments or links in unsolicited email or direct messages.

Call the sender and confirm their legitimacy.

Don’t hesitate to ask questions, and don’t send money.

Be vigilant.

It is now cheap and easy to impersonate someone’s voice and to create digital photographs and videos that seem real.

Do not believe everything you see.

Verify before taking any actions.

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