Crime Report: Police Warn of Reston-area Money Card Scam

Officers from Fairfax County Police's Reston District Station are investigating a scam in which a local couple was bilked out of thousands of dollars by an unknown suspect claiming to be with the Internal Revenue Service.

The caller also claimed to be holding a family member in exchange for numbers associated with prepaid money cards in the victim’s possession. The victim relinquished information from the cards and the money was gone. No family member was actually held against their will, police said.

The police are reminding citizens to be cautious: if anyone except a legitimate business asks for your card numbers, it could be a scam. 

"Avoid using money card numbers if someone contacts you regarding prize winnings or sweepstakes, and do not use card numbers to purchase something from a classified advertisement," police said in a statement.
"Do not give your card numbers to another person, unless you are absolutely certain of their credibility."

In most cases, the money lost from this type of scam is not insured, so when it is gone, it is gone, they added.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Solvers by phone at 1-866-411-TIPS/8477, e-mail at www.fairfaxcrimesolvers.org or text “TIP187” plus your message to CRIMES/274637 or call Fairfax County Police at 703-691-2131.

In other crime news reported by the Fairfax County Police:

BURGLARY, 400 block of Walker Road, Aug. 1, 8 p.m. A resident reported someone entered the home and stole several items to include cash. Entry was made through an unsecured window.

2100 block of Centreville Road, merchandise from business

10200 block of Country View Court, items from residence

1500 block of Crowell Road, tools from vehicle

600 block of Dranesville Road, electronic device from school

1800 block of North Shore Court, bicycles from residence

2600 block of Puritan Court, cell phone from business

11800 block of Sunrise Valley Drive, beer from business

700 block of Walker Road, money from business

1600 block of Waters Edge Lane, money from vehicle

1300 block of Windleaf Drive, jewelry from residence

2300 block of Branleigh Park Court, 2001 Buick Le Sabre