VRE: Panhandler Posing as VDOT Employee Targets Train Riders

A man posing as a Virginia transportation employee has been seen lurking around the Old Town Manassas train station asking passengers for money, Virginia Railway Express employees said.

The VRE has been working with Manassas Police to identify the man.

The person, often seen wearing a hard hat and reflective vest, occasionally shows up in the parking garage and on the rail platform, asking passengers for money for transit fare, VRE officials said.

He tells the people he approaches that he's a VDOT employee or contractor trying to get to Woodbridge.

The man reportedly isn't violent but he isn't a VDOT worker either, VRE officials said. 

No state, VRE or VDOT employee will ever ask for money for transportation from the public.

If you are approached by a person matching this description, please contact the City of Manassas police at (703) 257-8000.