Hey there everyone,
Its tax time….so be very wary of the multiple scams out there.
Would you be interested in having a presentation on scams for your group? If so, please just send me an interest e-mail.
Also, don’t forget to sign up for the new Fairfax County Police News Blog!! If you currently get the e-mailed “News Releases” they will be discontinued starting tomorrow.
As Maxwell would say – Don’t miss out on any pertinences and such! – http://fcpdnews.wordpress.com/
Be Safe,
Greg
MPO Greg Kottemann
Fairfax County Police Department
Mount Vernon District Station
Crime Prevention Unit
703-360-8928
Don’t Fall For Massive Tax Scam
“Your driver’s license has been suspended. You will be arrested. You will be deported. We are on our way to your home right now.” These are just a few of the many threats that scammers are making against hundreds of Fairfax County residents over the past several weeks. Police warn the public NOT to fall prey to these scammers and to notify police of these criminal incidents.
These telephone scammers are described as demanding, aggressive, threatening, and easily angered when callers don’t immediately agree to their demands of “overdue tax balances.” Some complainants have described the suspect’s as having a heavy accent. Typically, callers demand between $4,000-$6,000 in immediate payment of unpaid tax bills. These scams are sophisticated and involve false names, numbers and “IRS” badge numbers. Suspects often continue to call and harass the recipient.
Police urge residents to:
- Contact IRS is you feel there is any discrepancy with your tax bills.
- Use these numbers to contact IRS if you feel you are being scammed: http://www.irs.gov/uac/Telephone-Assistance
- Be skeptical if someone asks/demands you owe taxes and must pay with a Green Dot Moneypack.
- Report suspicious or harassing calls to police online at http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/police/120413citizenreportingsystem.htm
- Remember, once money has been wired/sent, it is impossible to recover.
- More information on common scams may be found at http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/police/financialcrimes/commonscams.htm
Child Abducted; Suspect Arrested
Mount Vernon Police District – On Wednesday, March 26, at around 8:30 a.m., officers responded to the 8500 block of Highland Lane for a reported abduction.
A 12-year-old girl told police that a man grabbed her and pulled her into his apartment as she waited for her school bus inside the apartment building in the 7900 blk of Janna Lee Ave. The suspect allegedly grabbed her and touched her inappropriately. The victim was eventually able to break free and run to her bus. She did not require medical attention. The incident was reported to the police and school administrators immediately.
The victim provided a description of the suspect and investigating officers located him at an apartment in the 7900 block of Janna Lee Avenue.
The suspect was identified as 22-year-old, Walter Yomar Gomez-Lemus. He was arrested and transported to the Adult Detention Facility at the Mount Vernon District Station. Gomez-Lemus was charged with abduction with intent to defile and aggravated sexual battery.
Detectives would like to hear from anyone who might have information regarding this case, or any other case involving alleged child sexual exploitation.