Thunderstorm Heavy Rain 74°
News
Online Scammers Using This Method To Steal Personal Info, FBI Says Online Scammers Using This Method To Steal Personal Info, FBI Says
Online Scammers Using This Method To Steal Personal Info, FBI Says The FBI has issued a warning about cybercriminals exploiting victims to distribute malware and steal personal information. ​ Fraudulent free online file converter tools offer services like converting or merging files—such as transforming a .doc file to a .pdf or combining multiple images into a single document. While they perform the advertised tasks, they may also install hidden malware on users' computers.  This malware can grant criminals access to sensitive data, including Social Security numbers, banking details, cryptocurrency information, email addresses, and passwords.  …

SHARE

by Joe Lombardi
Business
Delete These Suspicious Texts Immediately, FBI Warns Delete These Suspicious Texts Immediately, FBI Warns
Delete These Suspicious Texts Immediately, FBI Warns The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has issued an urgent warning about a widespread text message scam designed to steal personal and financial information from unsuspecting victims. Known as “smishing” (SMS phishing), the scam involves fraudulent texts impersonating toll and package delivery services to trick recipients into clicking malicious links or revealing sensitive data. According to cybersecurity firm Palo Alto Networks’ Unit 42, cybercriminals have registered over 10,000 fraudulent domains as part of this operation, targeting at least 11 states and one Canadian province. Key…

SHARE

by Joe Lombardi
News
IRS Issues Warning For These Taxpayer Scams IRS Issues Warning For These Taxpayer Scams
IRS Issues Warning For These Taxpayer Scams A new warning from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has taxpayers on high alert as the agency unveils its 2025 Dirty Dozen — a list of the most common and deceptive tax scams that could put financial and personal information at risk. With tax season in full swing, scammers are ramping up efforts to steal money, sensitive data, and even taxpayer identities. From fake tax credits to social media-fueled misinformation, the schemes on this year’s list serve as a reminder that fraudsters are constantly evolving their tactics. What Is the Dirty Dozen? Each year, the IRS compiles the Dirty Doze…

SHARE

by Joe Lombardi
Police & Fire
'Buy One, Get One' Fugitive Fraudster Duo Caught At Virginia Hotel, Sheriff Says 'Buy One, Get One' Fugitive Fraudster Duo Caught At Virginia Hotel, Sheriff Says
'Buy One, Get One' Fugitive Fraudster Duo Caught At Virginia Hotel, Sheriff Says A wanted Virginia man didn’t realize he was getting arrested—and neither did his friend, who turned out to be wanted as well, deputies said. Stafford County Sheriff’s deputies were called to Affordable Suites of America on Woodstock Lane shortly before 1 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 27 after a tipster spotted Christopher Culbertson, 45, of Warrenton, who was wanted in Prince William County for multiple larceny and fraud charges, authorities said. When deputies arrived, they found Culbertson casually packing his belongings into a car, unaware that his stay was about to be taken into custody. …

SHARE

by Zak Failla
Business
Scammers Impersonating IRS With These Texts: Here's What To Know Scammers Impersonating IRS With These Texts: Here's What To Know
Scammers Impersonating IRS With These Texts: Here's What To Know A new scam is making the rounds, with fraudsters posing as Internal Revenue Service (IRS) agents and sending text messages promising a substantial rebate.  The trap is a phishing attempt designed to steal your personal and financial information. What’s Happening? The fraudulent messages claim recipients are eligible for a $1,400 stimulus check, directing them to click on a fake link to “claim” their payment.  How The Scam Works You receive a text message appearing to be from the IRS, stating that you’re owed an Economic Impact Payment and must provide personal information …

SHARE

by Joe Lombardi
Police & Fire
Caught In The Act: $8K In Stolen Merch Found In Thieves' Car In Loudoun County, Cops Say Caught In The Act: $8K In Stolen Merch Found In Thieves' Car In Loudoun County, Cops Say
Caught In The Act: $8K In Stolen Merch Found In Thieves' Car In Loudoun County, Cops Say Three Virginia women are facing a slew of felony charges after allegedly targeting Leesburg stores in an organized retail theft scheme that netted over $8,000 in stolen merchandise. Leesburg police say the arrests came after back-to-back incidents on the night of Wednesday, Jan. 15.  Officers were first called around 7:45 p.m. to the Polo Ralph Lauren store on Fort Evans Road NE for a report of three suspects stealing merchandise, and while investigating, another call came in from a nearby Dick’s Sporting Goods, where employees reported three individuals concealing items in the store. …

SHARE

by Zak Failla
Business
Equifax Fined $15M For Inaccurate Credit Scores, Mishandling Disputes: CFPB Equifax Fined $15M For Inaccurate Credit Scores, Mishandling Disputes: CFPB
Equifax Fined $15M For Inaccurate Credit Scores, Mishandling Disputes: Cfpb One of the nation’s largest credit reporting agencies has been fined $15 million for issuing inaccurate credit scores and failing to properly investigate consumer disputes, officials said. Equifax will pay the fine into the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's victims relief fund, the federal agency said in a news release on Friday, Jan. 17. The CFPB's investigation found Equifax ignored critical evidence submitted by consumers disputing inaccuracies in their credit reports. According to the CFPB, Equifax also allowed deleted errors to resurface and relied on flaw…

SHARE

by Chris Spiker
News
Holiday Deals Or Fraud? IRS Issues Warning For These Scams Holiday Deals Or Fraud? IRS Issues Warning For These Scams
Holiday Deals Or Fraud? IRS Issues Warning For These Scams As the holiday shopping season begins, the IRS reminds everyone that it’s not just your credit card balance you need to watch — it’s also your personal information. As part of its ninth annual National Tax Security Awareness Week, the IRS is warning taxpayers about a rise in holiday scams.  The scammers aren’t interested in gifts under your tree; they’re after your Social Security number and financial information instead. Here’s how scammers are getting creative—and how you can stay safe: Phishing Emails: Be wary of emails pretending to be from reputable retailers, shipping companie…

SHARE

by Joe Lombardi
Police & Fire
Virginia Impostor Oversaw 60 Patients During Fake Nurse Scheme In California, Police Say Virginia Impostor Oversaw 60 Patients During Fake Nurse Scheme In California, Police Say
Virginia Impostor Oversaw 60 Patients During Fake Nurse Scheme In California, Police Say A Virginia woman on federal probation for fraud is back behind bars after allegedly impersonating a nurse and securing jobs at multiple Los Angeles County hospitals, including overseeing dozens of patients without proper credentials, the Burbank Police Department announced. The suspect, 44-year-old Amanda Leeann Porter, was identified after hospital staff at Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center in Burbank discovered she was posing as a licensed nurse from out of state.  Between April 8 and May 8, Porter reportedly cared for approximately 60 patients while fraudulently employed. Port…

SHARE

by Zak Failla
Police & Fire
Repeat Shoplifter Claiming To Be Hank Aaron's Daughter Strikes Out With Sheriff In Virginia Repeat Shoplifter Claiming To Be Hank Aaron's Daughter Strikes Out With Sheriff In Virginia
Repeat Shoplifter Claiming To Be Hank Aaron's Daughter Strikes Out With Sheriff In Virginia A repeat offender pretending to be home run king Hank Aaron's daughter didn't hit it out of the park with her excuses after being busted shoplifting in Stafford County, according to the sheriff's office. Stafford resident Janice Scott, 61, was taken into custody after she was caught while attempting to steal food on three separate occasions in the past two months, this time providing a false ID. Deputies from the Stafford County Sherif's Office were called to Walmart on Garrisonville Road shortly before 6:30 p.m. on Sunday night, where there was a reported shoplifting incident that was in p…

SHARE

by Zak Failla
News
Wanted Man, Woman Detained After Simple Traffic Stop In Stafford County, Sheriff Says Wanted Man, Woman Detained After Simple Traffic Stop In Stafford County, Sheriff Says
Wanted Man, Woman Detained After Simple Traffic Stop In Stafford County, Sheriff Says What started as a simple traffic stop in Stafford County resulted in two wanted fugitives being apprehended on a host of charges, according to the sheriff's office. Fredericksburg resident Tahj Ford, 27, and 24-year-old Woodbridge native Michaele Simms were both detained over the weekend, despite their best efforts to evade arrest. According to the Stafford County Sheriff's Office, shortly after 10 p.m. on Friday, Oct .25, a deputy on patrol on Warrenton Road near Sanford Drive spotted a Jeep - driven by Simms - make a reckless lane change, causing the vehicle behind her to take evasive act…

SHARE

by Zak Failla
Business
Former NFL Player, UVA Alum Turned Developer Charged With Embezzlement In Virginia: Feds Former NFL Player, UVA Alum Turned Developer Charged With Embezzlement In Virginia: Feds
Former NFL Player, UVA Alum Turned Developer Charged With Embezzlement In Virginia: Feds A former NFL player who was a standout at the University of Virginia is facing federal charges for alleged embezzlement, authorities announced. Christopher Harrison, 52, was charged by a grand jury for allegedly misappropriating loans intended for the development of two projects linked to his real estate company. According to the indictment, Harrison allegedly secured loans from Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust (CRBT) for $14,492,057 for the Model Tobacco Project in Richmond and $7,706,675 for the Whitaker Park Project in North Carolina. Under the terms of the agreements, the former offe…

SHARE

by Zak Failla