Police warn about phone scam

The Prince William County Police Department wants residents to know that they are not raising money.

A recent rash of telephone calls has officials in the department worried as someone is falsely identifying their self as a member of the department is trying solicit money, attempting to prey on unsuspecting victims.

A Manassas business received a call on June 11 from someone who identified himself as a detective who was raising money for a youth drug program the department sponsored.

On June 15, a Woodbridge resident got a call from someone who this time identified their self as a Prince William County Police Officer, and said the department was soliciting funds for families of fallen officers.

“These calls are not legitimate,” stated Prince William police spokeswoman Sharon Richardson.

Richardson said the department encourages residents to check with the organization the called claims to be representing, before making a donation or contribution.

Anyone who has received this type of call from someone claiming to represent the Prince William police is asked to call the non-emergency number, 703-792-6500, and tell police.

The call taker will need as much information about the call as the caller is able to provide, including a telephone number from where the call originated, stated Richardson.

Staff writer Uriah A. Kiser can be reached at 703-878-8065.