Gas Bill Scam Targets Elderly Residents In Virginia

Virginia police authorities have asked local residents in the South Hampton and Norfolk areas to be vigilant of a new scam that targets local senior citizens. According to reports, individuals have been able to gain access into local homes by claiming to work for the Virginia Department of Social Services. On more than one occasion, a white male has told homeowners that he needed to gain access to a home to measure rooms for purposes of financial assistance for gas and other public utilities.

The first reported incident occurred in November of 2010. On this occasion, it was reported that two individuals entered the home of an elderly person. While one of the individuals pretended to measure rooms, the other stole money from the resident’s wallet. A second incident took place in late March of 2011 where two men again gained access to a home claiming that they were there to measure the rooms.

Both suspects have been identified as white males and were last seen driving a white truck. One of the men is described as having white or gray hair and was very well dressed. If any individual approaches your home claiming to be a social services worker, you should ask for their department photo ID. If they cannot produce a picture identification card that proves that they work for the Virginia Department of Social Services, you should not allow them to come into your home. Local residents are urged to contact the police if they see or encounter suspicious fraud or scam activities taking place in their neighborhoods.