STAFFORD — The Stafford County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents about people who pose as members of law enforcement, reputable businesses leaders, or other entities in an attempt to steal money by asking victims for payment in the form of gift cards.
In one case, a Stafford resident reported receiving a call from an individual claiming to be from the DEA. The individual told the victim that her social security number had been linked to a drug trafficking incident in Texas and that she needed to put money into a “safe card” to protect herself, according to a sheriff’s office spokeswoman.
The caller then told the victim to purchase $2,600 worth of gift cards and provide the card information over the phone. The victim followed these instructions and did not realize it was a scam until after the gift cards had been redeemed.
Law enforcement will not request payment to resolve investigations, according to the sheriff’s office. In addition, gift cards are for gifts, not payments and anyone who demands payment by gift card is a scammer, it adds.
Those who believe they may be a victim of a scam are asked to call the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office at (540) 658-4400.
