Month: October 2021

Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime News

FBI Richmond’s Central Virginia Violent Crimes Task Force has joined the Henrico County Police Division and the City of Richmond Police Department in the investigation of a series of HOBBS Act robberies that occurred on March 5, 2021.

The 7-Eleven located in the 10000 block of Staples Mill Road, the Valero located in the 4400 block of Broad Street, and the WaWa located in the 2400 block of Staples Mill Road are believed to have been robbed by the same individual.

Authorities are searching for an average-build Asian male subject, further described as 5’2” to 5’6” and 150 to 160 pounds. The subject appeared dirty, wearing a face mask, dark sunglasses, a black hooded jacket, a black hat, black socks, and black sandals with white soles. The subject also wore a patterned blanket around his waist and a large yellow patterned scarf to cover his face and shoulders.

It is believed the subject was seen departing one of the robberies in a black Mercedes ML 350.

An FBI “Seeking Information” poster has been posted to the FBI’s webpage.

Anyone with information regarding these robberies and the subject(s) responsible for them should contact the FBI’s Central Virginia Violent Crimes Task Force at (804) 261-1044 or provide tips through https://www.fbi.gov/tips, the Henrico County Police Division at 804-289-7228 or the City of Richmond Police Department at 804-646-1068.

Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime News

PHOENIX, AZ—FBI Phoenix is warning the public about charity fraud, where scammers set up fake charities to take advantage of your kindness and line their pockets. While these scams can occur at any time, they are especially prevalent after damaging events like monsoons, flash floods, and forest fires. Legitimate charities provide assistance to communities affected by these events, but the scammer competes with these legitimate charities to divert your donations away from those who need it most, and back to the fake charity’s creator.

Charity fraud scams can come in many forms: emails, social media posts, crowdfunding platforms, cold calls, etc. Always use caution and do your research when you’re looking to donate to charitable causes.

The following tips can help you avoid these schemes:

• Never let anyone rush you into donating.
• Give to established charities or groups whose work you know and trust. Don’t assume the charity you have seen on social media or online is legitimate, even it if was sent to you by a friend.
• Be aware of organizations with copycat names or names similar to reputable organizations.
• Do your research. Use the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) resources to examine the track record of a charity.
• Give using a check or credit card. If a charity or organization asks you to donate through cash, gift card, virtual currency, or wire transfer, it’s probably a scam.
• Check the website’s address—most legitimate charity organization websites use .org, not .com.

If you believe you’ve been the victim of a charity scheme or other cyber fraud activity, please contact FBI Phoenix at (623)466-1999. Victims are also highly encouraged to file a complaint with the FBI at ic3.gov and with the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

For more information on charity and disaster scams, visit: https://www.fbi.gov/scams-and-safety/common-scams-and-crimes/charity-and-disaster-fraud