Crime & Safety
LCSO Warns of Texting Scam Disguised as 'Loudoun Credit Union'
The Loudoun County Sheriff's Office is warning residents to be aware of multiple texting scams alleging to be from the Loudoun Credit Union.
The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office has received multiple reports over the last two days of text alerts claiming to be from the Loudoun Credit Union. The text reads as follows:
Loudoun Credit Union ALERT: Your VISA #442917 has been temporarily DEACTIVATED. Please call Loudoun Card Services 24hrs line (703) 520-1230.
The number has an automated system with a recorded voice stating your card has been temporarily deactivated. The recording then asks if you received a case number to press “1,” and for all other inquiries press “2.” Both options then ask callers to input the 16-digit card number, expiration date and pin number.
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Residents have also reported a caller identifying himself as a member of the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office who advises that a warrant has been issued for their arrest. The caller then advises that the warrant will be returned if a fine is paid immediately via a money card. LCSO notes that law enforcement and other government agencies do not request money in lieu of serving an arrest warrant.
The victims’ caller ID showed the call originating from the LCSO non-emergency number, though officials note that information can be falsified to disguise the name relayed on the caller ID system. Although scammers can spoof the number, they cannot intercept calls made to the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office.
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If you believe you have received a call from scammers pretending to be law enforcement or government personnel, hang up and call the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office immediately at (703) 777-1021 or file a report online athttp://sheriff.loudoun.gov/reportonline.
Residence should also take caution when asked to provide money via money transfers (Western Union) or prepaid money cards (Green-Dot). Although tracking numbers are provided, the money often goes to foreign countries where local prosecution is no longer possible, LCSO says.
Visit http://www.lookstoogoodtobetrue.com for more information on consumer scams that have taken place recently.
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