Crime & Safety
Police Warn Annandale Residents About Utility Company Scams
Person(s) pretending to be from utility companies are attempting to steal information from Annandale-area residents through email and phone scams.
Summer may be winding down, but Fairfax County police say utility scams are on the rise again in Mason District.
Residents have reported receiving emails and phone calls stating utilities or phone/internet service will be immediately shut off unless payment is made via prepaid credit card or an online form asking for personal banking info, according to a recent news and information bulletin from the Mason District Station.
The calls are not from typical utility companies and the callers sometimes instruct residents to call a number they provide to settle the payment, the release states. To avoid having their information stolen, police recommend residents check the status of their utility bill by calling the number listed on their latest bill/invoice before entering any payment information over the phone or via email in case it's a scam.
Mason District is no stranger to utility scams. Last month, police said they believe someone pretending to be a Fairfax Water utility employee was targeting Mason District residents in the Annandale area in order to gain access to their homes and rob them.
Residents are reminded to be wary of utility personnel coming to your home for unscheduled repairs or maintenance checks.
To report suspicious incidents or a if a suspicious person is actively in your neighborhood or at your home, residents are asked to call the non-emergency number 703-691-2131 and file a report. Reports can also be filed online through the Fairfax County police website.
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