NEWS RELEASE Contact: Major Dave Dailey
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ddailey@purcellvilleva.gov, 540-338-7422
PURCELLVILLE POLICE ISSUE PHONE SCAM ALERT
PURCELLVILLE, Va., May 23, 2023 — The Purcellville Police Department was recently notified that a Loudoun County resident received a phone call where the caller impersonated a Purcellville Police officer, stating they were working with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The suspect was able to “spoof” the main administrative Purcellville Police Department phone number, so it appeared on the caller ID that it was coming from the Purcellville Police Department.
The caller identified themselves as “Serena Wood” a “duty officer” with the Purcellville Police Department to help make the scam appear legitimate. The suspect then asked the resident to provide some personal information, and stated the victim needed to cooperate by transferring money into another account, otherwise they could be guilty of money laundering. We have confirmed that this call is fraudulent, and fortunately the resident hung up on the caller and contacted the Purcellville Police Department directly.
It is important to note that members of law enforcement will NEVER ASK for MONEY or PREPAID/GIFT CARDS, or ask to verify financial information over the phone.
If you have any questions as to the validity of a telephone call from any law enforcement agency, or have been a victim of this telephone scam, you are asked to call the Purcellville Police Department and Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office non-emergency dispatch line at 703-777-1021.
For more information on fraud protection and scam information, please visit our website at https://www.purcellvilleva.gov/690/Citizen-Fraud-and-Scam-Information.
The Town of Purcellville, Virginia
“Purcellville-your small Town, where history and progress intersect and people prosper,” is an award-winning town of over 10,000 residents located in Loudoun County, approximately 50 miles west of Washington, DC. Having received the prestigious Siemens Sustainability Award for Small Communities, Purcellville continues to be honored for its green initiatives with most recently being the Tree City USA recipient for the 13th year. The Town was reaffirmed as a AAA rated community by S&P Global Ratings, the highest credit rating possible, and is ranked “Safest City” in Virginia in 2020. Once a stop along the W&OD rail line, which has been converted to a multi-use trail from Alexandria, VA to Purcellville, the Town has maintained its historic old-town feel through the restoration and maintenance of its many downtown structures, reflecting the Victorian architecture popular during the early 1900s. Today, Purcellville is the economic hub of western Loudoun County and a popular weekend destination for antiquing, equestrian activities, farmer’s markets, wineries, breweries, distilleries and restaurants. More info at www.purcellvilleva.gov.
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