Fairfax County's Silver Shield Anti-Scam Campaign wants to help you recognize and stop scams!

Scammers are going to do what they can to get money out of you. Here are a few tips to help protect yourself from scams:

• You don't have to answer the phone or respond to texts. If you do and it's not who you thought, end the conversation. 
• You do not have to answer the door. 
• Follow your instincts. If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. 
• Create a password or phrase (pre-arranged with friends and family) to verify the identity of who you are speaking with. 

According to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), thousands of people have lost millions of dollars and their personal information to tax scams. Scammers use the regular mail, telephone and email to set up individuals, businesses, payroll and tax professionals.

• IRS Tax Scam Alert (English)
• IRS Tax Scam Alert (Spanish)
• Who Do You Trust to Prepare Your Return? (English)
• Who Do You Trust to Prepare Your Return? (Spanish)
• Should I visit a Taxpayer Assistance Center? (English)
• Should I visit a Taxpayer Assistance Center? (Spanish)

The IRS doesn't initiate contact with taxpayers by email, text messages or social media channels to request personal or financial information. Know the telltale signs of a scam and how to know if it’s really the IRS.

7th Annual Scam Jam – Did you miss it? Check out the videos for helpful and important information on how to protect yourself and your loved ones from becoming a victim of a scam. 

2024 Scam Jam Welcome and Greetings

Artificial Intelligence (AI): A Blessing or a Curse?  

Tips to Protect your Wealth & Self from Financial Fraud & Scammers

The Use of Artificial Intelligence in Financial Scams

AI Fraud and Exploitation: My Personal Experience with the Grandparent Scam

AARP’s Fraud Watch Network: A Closer Look

Martin Bailey, who represents AARP Virginia and the Senior Medicare Patrol on Fairfax County’s Silver Shield Task Force, discusses the latest scam topics. Tune in to the latest Scam Slam audio series' topics.  

• Holiday Scams
• How to Avoid Unforeseen Credit Card Charges
• How Scammers are Using QR Codes
• Phony Banking Texts and Phone Calls
• New Package Deliver Scam
• Coronavirus Scams
• Phishing Scams
• Unemployment Benefit
• Two-Factor Authentication
• Mortgage Relief

Don’t Fall for Tree Trimming Scams (May 2023)

‘Tis the Season to Stay Clear of Common Scams (2021 December)

Rental Car Scam (2021 August)

Tax Scam Artists Are Lurking at this Time of Year (2021 March)

Romance Scams (2021 February)

Silver Shield Warns About Upcoming Holiday Scams (2020 December)

Tech Support Scam

Door-to-Door Solicitors

Tune into AARP’s Friday FraudCast for an insightful interview. Detective Jonathan Loesch, a member of the Fairfax County Silver Shield Task Force, discusses the Felony Lane Gang (FLG) – what it is and how to protect yourself and your valuables. Check out this episode.

Common Scams:

1. Social Security

2. IRS

3. Phishing

4. Fake check scams

The Federal Trade Commission share more information about scams. 

Avoid Holiday Scams

How to Handle Door-to-Door Solicitors

Dealing with Home Repair Salespeople

Medicare Fraud Costs $60 Billion – How to Fight Back!

Fairfax County's New Exploitation Task Force

Melissa Smarr is the facilitator of the Silver Shield Anti-Scam Campaign, which focuses on educating older adults about how they can protect themselves from scammers. In this podcast with the Alzheimer's Caregiver Alliance, she shares information on how to avoid scams against older adults and people with dementia. Check out this episode.

Mature Living's Scams and Seniors

Scam Jam: Law Enforcement Presentations, April 2018

Fairfax County's Silver Shield Campaign Launch, September 2017

Request for a speaker or community outreach table for your next event.

Interested in county events? Check out the calendar listing.