Scammer Alert: Callers Demand Money by Threatening Arrest

LOUDOUN COUNTY, VA — Several Loudoun County residents have reported receiving telephone calls from scammers pretending to be law enforcement and threatening arrest if they do not pay money, according to the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office (LCSO).

The scammers try to scare the victim into buying gift cards to prevent their arrest.

In many cases the scammer identifies himself as "Lieutenant Vance Berry" from the LCSO. Scammers have used that fictitious name for two years, according to a LCSO spokesperson.

According to the LCSO: "Law enforcement will never ask for money in lieu of an arrest, and residents are encouraged to contact the Loudoun Sheriff’s non-emergency number at 703-777-1021 to verify a caller claiming to be from the LCSO."

Here are the latest 3 reported scam caller incidents, according to the LCSO:

On Oct. 18, a resident reported to LCSO that they received a call from a “Lieutenant Vance Berry” with the LCSO on Oct. 12. The caller claimed the resident missed jury duty and there was a warrant issued for his arrest. The resident was advised to go to a nearby store and purchase Reloadit cards to avoid arrest.

The resident complied and was called two days later advising he needed to pay additional monies and court fees. The victim again complied with the request before realizing the call was a scam.

On Oct. 16, a resident reported to LCSO that they were contacted by a male representing himself as "Lieutenant Vance Berry" #589 with LCSO on Oct. 15. The phone call came from #703-801-7558. The male on the phone stated that the complainant did not show up for jury duty and now there were warrants for failure to appear issued.

The caller stated that a payment needed to be made via Reloadit gift cards. The complainant asked the caller for proof of his identity and the caller became frustrated and demanded the money.

On Oct. 14, a resident reported that they were contacted by subject stating that they were with the LCSO. The
subject told the victim she needed to pay $2,000 to avoid arrest.

"Please remember that scammers are not always easy to spot. They're smart, persuasive, and aggressive when they invade your home by telephone and mail, or come to your door. Just remember... if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is," according to the LCSO.

To find out how to detect a phone scam, visit: consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0076-phone-scams.