Mount Vernon – A Presentation on Domestic Violence
All – This is a fantastic opportunity to get information about this troubling issue in our communities.
The presentation is brought to you by top notch specialists in this field, and benefits from our survivors testimony.
Please RSVP if possible to Detective Melissa Wallace – melissa.wallace@fairfaxcounty.gov
October 16, 2013: Open Your Eyes to Domestic Violence is open the public and intended to give information to bystanders of domestic violence (friends, family, co-workers) who want to provide information to victims of domestic violence and provide them with resources in Fairfax County to leave an abusive relationship. The event will be held at 6:00 p.m. at Mount Vernon Police Station, 2511 Parkers Lane, Alexandria, Virginia 22306. Presenters are Detective Melissa Wallace, Victim Service Specialist Shannon DiMisa, Civil Attorney Razan Fayez, and a domestic violence survivor Amanda Tenorio. Contact Razan Fayez for more information: 571-234-5564.
Folks….I have heard about one case in MT Vernon so far…..evidentially started in Southern VA as indicated by the Dominion Virginia Power press release in Richmond from January 2013
Dominion Virginia Power Warns Customers About Scammers Demanding Immediate Payment Of Utility Bills
– Scammers claim to be Dominion employees, threaten to cut off power unless paid immediately
– Dominion does not ask for specific payment information via telephone
– Better Business Bureau offers tips to avoid falling for a scam
Jan 10, 2013
RICHMOND, Va., Jan. 10, 2013 /PRNewswire/ — Dominion Virginia Power is warning its customers about a scam involving phone calls from a person claiming to be a company employee, demanding immediate payment of utility bills. The caller claims electric service will be cut off unless the bill is paid within a matter of hours, usually by using a pre-paid debit card such as a “Green Dot card.”
The caller also may claim that a problem with an electric meter could result in a fire if not immediately replaced, offering reimbursement from Dominion at a later date if payment is made now.
Dominion may phone customers whose bills are in arrears to remind them payment is due, but never asks for specific payment information — only directing customers how to make a payment. The company encourages anyone who is improperly contacted about making a payment over the phone to call 1-866-DOM-HELP and local law enforcement officials. In addition, customers should ask to see an official Dominion ID from anyone who comes to their residence and claims to be from the company.
“We hope this warning will be heeded and shared so that other customers can avoid traps like this,” said Gianna Clark, vice president of customer service operations. “Scams are always troubling, particularly in these difficult economic times.”
The scammers have been targeting Spanish-speaking customers, the elderly and businesses throughout Virginia, but all customers should be aware of the possibility of being scammed. If you have questions or concerns about a phone call from someone claiming to be a Dominion employee, report the suspicious activity to Dominion by calling 1-866-DOM-HELP (1-866-366-4357).
The Better Business Bureau provides these tips to avoid falling for a scam:
- Do your research. If you receive a call claiming to be from your utility company and feel pressured for immediate payment or personal information, hang up the phone and call the customer service number on your utility bill. For Dominion customers, that number is 1-866-DOM-HELP (1-866-366-4357).
- Beware of giving personal information over the phone. Never provide your Social Security number, credit card number or banking information to anyone requesting it over the phone or at your home unless you initiated the contact and feel confident about the person with whom you are speaking.
- Use your own personal information. Always pay your bills with your own personal information; never pay your bills with information that is not your own.
- Beware of the door-to-door sales approach. Never allow anyone into your home to check electrical wiring, natural gas pipes or appliances unless you have scheduled an appointment or have reported a utility problem. Also, ask utility employees for proper identification.
- Be proactive. If you have already provided information to someone claiming to offer this service, contact your bank immediately. Also contact the three national credit bureaus – Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion – and have a notation made on your account so it doesn’t impact your credit rating.
- Inform others. Share this information with friends and family so they do not become victims. Elderly victims are common in this type of scam, but anyone who pays a utility bill is a potential target.
Bicycle Thefts Up – Protect Your Property – Lock It Up!
Fairfax County Police warn residents to take precautions to protect their bicycles from thieves. Crime analysts report an approximate 36% increase in the number of stolen bicycles when comparing similar time periods over the prior year.
From September 1, 2011-August 31, 2012 there were roughly 265 bicycle thefts. During the same time period from 2012-2013, there were 361.
In the McLean area, alone, there have been 86 bicycles stolen. Many of the bikes are taken when residents leave their garage doors open. Thieves simply seize the opportunity, take the bikes, and walk away.
· Don’t leave bikes outside unattended/unsecured – Thieves may be watching and may target “unused” bicycles
· Keep bikes locked up in the garage and keep garage doors closed
· Invest in a hardened steel U-lock
· Keep exterior lights on all night long from dusk till dawn
· Take a photo of your bike and record the serial number; this will aid in recovery should your bike be stolen.
· Report stolen item(s) online – www.fairfaxcounty.gov/police/crs