Police Warn of Falls Church Phone Scam
PRESS RELEASE FROM THE CITY OF FALLS CHURCH
In recent weeks, residents have reported receiving telephone calls from a telemarketing con artist, posing as a City of Falls Church Police Officer, in an attempt to solicit monetary contributions. “Con artists try to confuse you by using names that sound like well-known charitable organizations or even law enforcement agencies,” said Officer Dee Wilson. Falls Church Police do not participate in telephone solicitations. If residents receive a call from someone seeking a donation who identifies himself as a police officer, they should immediately call Falls Church Police at 703-241-5053.
How can you protect yourself?
- Don’t be pressured to make an immediate decision.
- Don’t give your credit card, checking account, or Social Security number to unknown callers.
- Don’t pay for something merely because you’ll get a “free gift.”
- Get all information in writing before you agree to buy or donate.
- Check out a charity before you give. Ask how much of your donation actually goes to the charity. Ask that written information be sent to you so you can make an informed giving decision.
- Don’t invest your money with an unknown caller who insists you make up your mind immediately.
- Don’t send cash by messenger or overnight mail. If you use cash rather than a credit card in the transaction, you may lose your right to dispute fraudulent charges.
- Don’t confirm your account information over the phone or by email. Some callers have your billing information before they call you. They’re trying to get you to say “okay” so they can claim you approved a charge.
- Don’t be afraid to say “No, thanks” and hang up the phone.
Anyone with information about possible con artists is urged to call the Falls Church Police at 703-241-5053.
By (see byline)
December 17, 2009
I never understand why police and fire departments need to beg for money. You tax us enough. Cut back on your expenses. I have to live on a tight budget, so do you. I don’t take ANY solicitations by phone. I don’t put money in the boot when I see firemen standing on the street intersection either. PANHANDLERS do that. Get out the way, stop distracting drivers and becoming a hazard.
Personally I respect the fireman, at least they help you when you call. The police want you to do all the work for them. They offer nothing but attitude. Try reporting a crime to them sometime. It’s an exercise in futility. It makes one want to take the law into their own hands.
Mr. Bozman, Your frustration concerning municipal public safety is certainly understandable to many citizens living in representative democracies across the globe and, close to home, here in our Commonwealth. Unlike some of those citizens who live without the protections afforded by our Constitution, you have numerous healthy, therapeutic options through which you have elected to channel that negative energy, e.g. an online news source that accepts comments. Absent that, you might host your own Blog. The substance of anyone’s comments, however – no matter how frustrated they may be – is still subject to scrutiny by civil society. In the spirit of that informed collective dialogue, the following comments are applicable to your posting:
- All municipal services face budget constraints and the police and fire departments are not exempt. You live on a tight budget as do they. You can anticipate your annual expenses and save accordingly. Our City’s public safety professionals stand watch throughout the year and respond when they are called – without regard to whether a particular fire exceeds the annual budget estimate or if investigating a crime might cost more than the average.
- The attitude one experiences with most public service professionals mirrors the attitude one brings to the interaction. Most citizens have very limited interaction with either law enforcement of fire department personnel on an annual basis. You state the police “offer nothing but attitude” – I contend they potentially offer their lives each and every time they respond to a call.
- “It makes one want to take the law into their own hands.” I certainly hope you are not suggesting someone’s inability to effectively manage their frustration is any justification whatsoever for vigilantism.
We are kindred spirits with regard to telephone solicitations: no time, no interest, why am I not on your do not call list. But be thankful when you call the City with an emergency. They have the time and the commitment and the professional skills – and for that, we should be grateful.