It is impossible to list all of the known scams in one place, but being aware of current scams, and well-known warning signs, can help keep you, your information, and your money safe. Here are a few of the most recent scams we are hearing about.
Latest Scam
Scam Calls Impersonating USCIS
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has received reports of individuals receiving unsolicited phone calls from scammers posing as USCIS representatives or other immigration-related organizations such as SAVE. Learn more about this scam.
Recent Scams
- Fairfax County Land Use Applicant Scam – Fairfax County has identified a specific email scam using the subject line: "Immediate Action Needed – Final Approval Fee for {SP-2025-PR-00077}." This email falsely claims to be from the “Fairfax County Planning Department”
- Fire Inspector Impersonators – The Office of the Fire Marshal has received multiple reports of fire inspector impersonators demanding payment in order to keep a business open. Inspectors will NEVER contact a residence or business and demand payment.
- Parking Lot Auto Repair Scams – Scammers posing as auto professionals approach victims in parking lots, claiming to be able to fix minor dents or scratches on their car while they shop. Victims return to their cars to find low-quality results, sticky substances, or even further damage.
- Toll Fees Scam – Scammers from coast to coast are pretending to be tolling agencies and sending texts demanding money.
- Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) – Scammers attempt to steal Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card benefits by tricking benefits recipients into sharing their EBT card number.
- Bank Jugging Scam – Criminals target people who have just withdrawn cash from a bank and follow them to steal their money.
- Employment Scams – Scammers post advertisements for fake jobs on common career sites to get the victim to send money, divulge personal information, or provide free labor.
- Fake Shredding Events – Scammers falsely report free shredding events at Fairfax County facilities.
- Jury Duty Scam – Scammers claim that an individual missed jury duty and threaten them with arrest if they do not pay a fee, click a link to ‘reschedule’ or respond immediately.
More Cons and Scams
Know the Warning Signs of a Scam
The best way to defend yourself from scams is by being alert. Stay abreast of current scams, like the ones listed above, and know the common warning signs. Experts recommend you pause and verify the situation if you encounter any of the following:
1. “Too Good to Be True” Deals
Scammers love to promise “big paydays” by offering misleading deals on social media or through unsolicited calls and emails. Always remember: If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
2. Threatening Calls or Texts
Scammers use scare tactics to force victims into compliance. They may impersonate government agencies or officials and make threats of arrest, deportation, or lawsuits if you don’t pay “right now.” Remember, legitimate government agencies never demand immediate payment or threaten arrest without the proper legal processes.
3. Suspicious Websites
Scammers frequently use fake websites to try to get your personal information. They may post flyers with QR codes or send emails or text messages with links to sites designed to capture your financial information.
Sometimes just taking an extra five minutes to verify the situation can save the day. When in doubt, disconnect and go to the source directly. You can always contact the police non-emergency number at 703-691-2131 if you suspect something may be a scam.
Report Suspected Financial Scams
Even though the police deal with thousands of fraud cases annually, many instances go unreported. You can help stop criminals and protect others by taking the time to report suspected scam or fraud case.
Report financial scams by calling the police non-emergency number at 703-691-2131, TTY 711. You can also file a report using the Financial Crimes Information and Online Reporting System (FiCOR).
Silver Shield Scam Alerts Now Available
A new Fairfax Alerts channel "Silver Shield Scam and Fraud Information" is now available for text updates on scam and fraud prevention. Its goal is to provide subscribers with scam resource information and send alerts when scams rise to a heightened level of concern in the community.
Signing up is quick and free:
- Visit Fairfax Alerts
- If you are not an existing user, click the “Register” button
- If you are an existing user, click the "Log In" button
- Customize your notifications by signing up for emergency alerts, severe weather alerts, traffic alerts, and other county notifications that matter to you
- To receive Silver Shield scam and fraud updates, select Area Agency on Aging and then choose Silver Shield – Scam and Fraud Information
Want To Know More?
Add these tools to your scam-prevention toolkit to stay one step ahead of the scammers:
- Scam Slam Audio Series – This podcast keeps you informed of the latest scams happening locally.
- Silver Shield Anti-Scam Campaign – The Silver Shield Campaign shares information about active scams targeting older adults.
- Fairfax County Consumer Affairs Branch – Consumer Affairs provides advice and support on illegal, fraudulent, deceptive, or dangerous consumer practices.
- Financial Crimes Information and Online Reporting System (FiCOR) – Go to FiCOR to file a report about scam attempts and look up information about previously filed reports.
- Common Frauds and Scams – This is the FBI's main page on frauds and scams.
Last Updated: 7/29/2026