VIRGINIA BEACH — In response to the growing number of financial scams targeting local residents, the city’s sheriff announced Thursday he’s created a consumer protection unit.
“We cannot sit idly by and let these scammers get away with cheating law-abiding citizens out of their hard-earned money, especially under the guise of law enforcement,” Sheriff Rocky Holcomb said in a statement. “We will do everything in our power to help citizens protect themselves, put these criminals out of business and make them pay the consequences of their illegal actions.”
Scammers typically reach their potential victims over the phone and online. One of the most common scams in recent years involves jury duty, according to Holcomb. Imposters posing as deputy sheriffs tell people they missed jury duty and must pay a fine.
Virginia Beach residents who believe they may have been targeted by a scammer are encouraged to go to the sheriff’s consumer protection unit’s website, where they can gather information and fill out a form about the suspected fraud. The unit’s staff will then investigate the reports, while working closely with other local, state and federal agencies.
The unit plans to send out alerts about emerging scams, offer personalized assistance to victims, and provide educational workshops to prevent residents from becoming a victim. While the unit is only designated to help Virginia Beach residents, it will attempt to help others who reach out to it by referring them to the appropriate organization, said sheriff’s office spokeswoman Toni Guagenti.
“Our mission extends beyond mere protection; it’s about empowerment,” Holcomb said. “Through comprehensive education initiatives and proactive measures, we strive to arm citizens with the awareness and resilience needed to thwart fraudulent schemes and preserve their financial security.”
Jane Harper, jane.harper@pilotonline.com
