Scam Callers Pretend To Be Vienna Police, Demand Payments: Police

VIENNA, VA — Several residents faced scam calls from fraudsters pretending to be from the Vienna Police Department within a few days in late April.

Vienna Police took reports of three scam call incidents between April 25 and 29. One of the calls that happened between 4:32 p.m. and 5:02 p.m. on April 25 resulted in a $1,000 payment to the scammer. The caller claimed to be from the police department to speak about a child pornography case. The caller demanded $5,000, but the victim said they could not pay the full amount. The resident later learned the call was a scam.

In another call around 4 p.m. on April 25, a resident said a man claiming to be from Vienna Police called about a sex trafficking case. The caller demanded $5,000, threatened arrest if the resident hung up, and offered a discount for paying over the phone. Police did not indicate that the scam caller received a payment.

The third call reported to police was around 1 p.m. on April 29. A resident said a person claiming to be from the police department called about a prostitution case. The caller demanded $5,000 and threatened arrest if the caller hung up. Police did not indicate that the resident made a payment to the scammer.

Vienna Police say they do not ask for money to settle arrest warrants. Residents can call the agency directly using a known number to verify that the call is a scam. Suspicious calls may be reported to the Federal Trade Commission and the local police.

Below are other notable incidents reported to Vienna Police in the last week. Anyone with information about a case can contact the police non-emergency number at 703-255-6366.

Elude Police 25-04082
412 Maple Avenue, East
April 26 between 2:35 a.m. and 2:55 a.m.
A vehicle was observed traveling at 91 miles per hour in a posted 30 mph zone by officers conducting stationary radar enforcement. When officers initiated a traffic stop using emergency equipment, the driver failed to yield and continued without stopping. The juvenile was later identified, and charges are currently pending.

Petit Larceny 24-04008
Wawa 465 Maple Avenue, West
May 2 11:52 p.m.
A woman reported that her electric bike was stolen from Wawa, where she left it unlocked. The bike was located, broken, in the parking lot of Carnegie Diner at 501 Maple Avenue, West.

Juvenile Case 25-04030
Crumbl Cookie 203 Maple Avenue, East
May 3 8:07 p.m.
Officers responded to the report of two juveniles who were on the roof of the business. The officers instructed the juveniles to come down off the roof. Once off the roof, the officers notified their parents, who responded to the scene, and the juveniles were released to their custody.

Exposure 25-4032
100 Block Patrick Street, SE
May 3 8:42 p.m.
A town resident saw a suspicious man in her building's laundry room. After returning with more clothes, she caught him stuffing her undergarments into his pants while rubbing himself. She ran out and asked someone to call the police, but the man fled before they arrived. The victim did not wish to press charges.

Petit Larceny 25-04052
200 Block Mashie Drive, SE
May 4 8:18 p.m.
A citizen reported a license plate was stolen from their vehicle.