Leesburg Police Warn Public About Dominion Power Scam

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Release: Leesburg Police Department

In the past few weeks, the Leesburg Police Department has fielded four complaints regarding a scam involving Dominion Power Company. In each case, the suspect has identified himself as a representative of the company, and made references to the citizen and/or business being delinquent on their electricity bill.

In lieu of having their power shut off, the suspect offers the victim the opportunity to settle the issue by immediately obtaining an electronic MoneyPak order from a local pharmacy or department store and provide them with the serial number over the phone, and the issue would be settled.

The suspect will continue to pressure the victim by threatening to send employees to their house/business immediately to disconnect their power if they do not cooperate. The suspect also will demand that the victim remain in constant contact with them to ensure the MoneyPak is obtained.

Once the victim confirms the purchase of the MoneyPak, the suspect gets the victim to give him the serial number from the MoneyPak so that the funds can be electronically transferred, unbeknownst to the victim. Once that occurs, all communication with the suspect ceases.

Unfortunately, these types of scams, as well as various others, occur far too often. People fall victim to scam artists looking to turn a quick profit by playing on the fears of victims, implying that they or one of their loved ones is in some sort of trouble.

The Leesburg Police Department would like to remind citizens to be wary of “phishing” scams, such as this, that attempt to intimidate people into cooperating.

Phishers attempt to fraudulently acquire sensitive information, such as passwords, serial numbers and credit card details, by pretending to be a trustworthy person or business. Phishing is typically carried out using email or an instant message, although phone contact is being used more frequently.

The Leesburg Police Department would like to remind citizens to contact their local law enforcement agency if you feel that you are a victim of these types of schemes.