FRAUD ALERT: Spoofing Scam

ARLINGTON, Va. – The Arlington County Police Department is warning the public of an ongoing spoofing scam.

Spoofing is when a caller deliberately falsifies the information transmitted to your caller ID display to disguise their identity. Victims have reported receiving unsolicited phone calls from individuals fraudulently claiming to be members of the Arlington County Police Department. These individuals accuse the victims of owing money which must be paid immediately, or they must turn themselves in to the police department.

In some cases, scammers have deliberately falsified the information transmitted to the victim’s Caller ID display to disguise their identity as the non-emergency police line. Victims should not rely on their Caller ID to verify the credibility of the call.  Never give out personal information in response to unsolicited calls or if you are at all suspicious.

If you receive a call of this nature, immediately hang up with the caller and verify the claim by calling the Arlington County non-emergency line at 703-558-2222. Never use a phone number provided to you from the caller to verify their credibility. 

After making a verification call, if you find that you were a victim of a scam or were a target, please file an online police report.

Community members are reminded that the Arlington County Police Department will not call you and request money. The Arlington County Police Department’s Financial Crimes Unit has tips on how to protect yourself from becoming a victim of a scam. 

Media Contact

Communications Specialist II
Kiyah Daniell
703-228-4370

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