Norfolk Sheriff Joe Baron announces formation of new Consumer Protection Unit

NORFOLK, VA (April 3, 2020) - Amid the rise of COVID-19 related scams, Sheriff Joe Baron is pleased to unveil a new tool to fight fraud: The Norfolk Sheriff’s Office Consumer Protection Unit (CPU).

The CPU will serve as a ‘one-stop-shop’ where residents can report potential scams and be quickly linked to all available resources. The mission of the Consumer Protection Unit will be to educate residents on how to protect themselves from con-artists, scammers, and criminals looking to take their hard-earned money or worse – their identity.  Through vigilant attention to trends across the country, the CPU will also issue “Fraud Watch” warnings to the public.

Sheriff Baron leads the Norfolk Sheriff’s Office with the vision of making a difference in the lives of others as far as we can reach -- that includes doing our part to ensure the people of Norfolk are able to enjoy their lives without constant fear of fraud or theft. 

“After witnessing first-hand how an unscrupulous sales tactic almost took advantage of my neighbor – a sailor working hard every day to serve our country honorably, I was inspired to create this new unit,” Sheriff Baron said. “In these uncertain times, it’s more important now than ever that we do everything we can to ensure the livelihoods and identities of those living in the Mermaid City are protected.”

The Norfolk Police Department Economic Crimes Division and the Norfolk Commonwealth's Attorney's Office provide primary local law enforcement capability. The CPU works with those agencies, plus the Office of the Attorney General of Virginia and federal partners to put an end to the unscrupulous tactics that negatively impact our neighbors.

Members of the public are invited to visit www.norfolk-sheriff.com/fraudwatch to learn more.

The Norfolk Sheriff's Office is a values driven organization
committed to public safety, public service, and public trust.