Fraud Watch News

FRAUD ALERT - Federal Agencies Warn of Emerging Fraud Schemes Related to COVID-19 Vaccines

Written on January 19, 2021. Posted in Fraud Watch News.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) are warning the public about several emerging fraud schemes related to COVID-19 vaccines.

The FBI, HHS-OIG, and CMS have received complaints of scammers using the public’s interest in COVID-19 vaccines to obtain personally identifiable information (PII) and money through various schemes. We continue to work diligently with law enforcement partners and the private sector to identify cyber threats and fraud in all forms.

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FRAUD ALERT - 01/06: Sheriff Joseph P. Baron is warning residents not to fall for a new phone scam involving the Norfolk Sheriff's Office

Written on January 06, 2021. Posted in Fraud Watch News.

A resident recently reported receiving a call from someone claiming to be an NSO lieutenant. The "lieutenant" claimed to have warrants for failing to appear in court. The caller told the resident she must post bond at the Norfolk Sheriff's Office, even masking the phone number of the incoming call to look like it came from an NSO phone line. The caller, threatening jail time if a fine wasn't paid immediately, use a common scam tactic of requiring the payment in the form of moneypaks or gift cards.

"Anytime a scammer uses my name or the name of the Norfolk Sheriff's Office to attempt to harm a local resident is deeply upsetting," Sheriff Joseph Baron said. "The Norfolk Sheriff's Office strives every day to make a positive difference, and we want our residents to trust their instincts and remember that we would never demand payment over the phone. I'm grateful this resident trusted her instinct and called to report the issue."

The Norfolk Sheriff's Office Consumer Protection Unit is investigating the incident. Please remember you can report any suspicious calls to the NSO CPU or to the NPD's Economic Crimes Division.

FRAUD ALERT - 12/8: NSO Consumer Protection Unit issues two new fraud watches:

Written on December 08, 2020. Posted in Fraud Watch News.

1) A Norfolk resident reported receiving a call from a foreign based call center stating that their Social Security number has been suspended and that they must pay a fine to remove the suspension. The CPU contacted the SSA Office of Inspector General who confirmed that that active investigations into similar reports are ongoing. Please remember, government agencies NEVER provide notifications or request money in this fashion. If you receive such a call or a text message ignore it and delete it. Do not engage with the caller. Report it immediately to our Consumer Protection Unit OIC Deputy Michael Imprevento at (757) 664-4344.

2) Please be advised that scammers are attempting to solicit funds by falsely stating that the Norfolk Police Department is selling certain merchandise to the public. This usually comes in the form of a text message. This is false. Do not respond. If you get a text message or call of such nature please do not respond and report it to the NSO Consumer Protection Unit as well as the Economic Crimes Division of the Norfolk Police Department. No law enforcement agency will contact you in this way. The Norfolk Sheriff’s Office is not offering such merchandise either. Please protect your private information and identity by NOT responding to such messages.