News Flash

The Bristol, Virginia Police Department is currently investigating a new scam involving significant amounts of money. 

The Bristol, Virginia Police Department is currently investigating a new scam involving significant amounts of money. This investigation follows a similar incident reported several weeks ago.

Residents have been receiving phone calls from individuals falsely claiming to be officers of the Bristol, Virginia Police Department, including the Police Chief. The callers inform the recipients that they have missed court appearances, failed to pay fines, or committed other offenses. They then threaten arrest and imprisonment unless the recipients send money, often amounting to thousands of dollars.

The Bristol, Virginia Police Department emphasizes that it NEVER solicits money over the phone for any reason.

To help the public avoid falling victim to such scams, we offer the following tips:

•           Verify the Caller: Always verify the identity of the caller by contacting the official phone number of the organization they claim to represent.

•           Do Not Share Personal Information: Never provide personal or financial information over the phone unless you are certain of the caller’s identity.

•           Be Skeptical of Urgent Requests: Scammers often create a sense of urgency to pressure you into making quick decisions. Take your time to verify the information.

•           Hang Up and Report: If you receive a suspicious call, hang up immediately and report it to your local law enforcement agency.

We urge anyone who receives such a call to immediately contact their local law enforcement agency.

For further information, please contact: City of Bristol Virginia Police Department, 276-645-7400