Richmond Police Investigate Fake Cop Scam www.privateofficer.com

 

RICHMOND, VA June 15 2012- Richmond police are investigating an unusual scam involving fake cops and local dental offices.

Dr. Jeff Friend told 8News he was asked to buy an ad in “The Richmond Police Journal” by a man claiming to be Richmond police officer.

“I agreed to do it at first, but it seemed kind of unusual,” said Friend.

Friend was right, because there’s no such thing as The Richmond Police Journal and the man selling the ad wasn’t a police officer.

“I said how do I know that this is not a scam, and he said ‘Well there’s certainly a lot of scams out there, and you can look us up online’.” said Friend.

When Friend looked online, he found nothing. He waited for the man, who called himself Kevin Stanley, to return. Friend said, that never happened.

A return address listed on a package from the scam artist is listed at 2230 Hull St.

8News went to that address, but found an abandoned building with no signs of a Richmond Police Journal.

“I’m very relieved I didn’t give over the money,” said Friend.

Friend said he sent a scam alert to members of the Richmond Dental Society, and says he knows one dentist who gave money to the fake publication.

In that case, Richmond police were able to retrieve the money, but Friend says he wants to warn others so others aren’t targeted like he was.

“I just wanna get the word out there to let everybody know to be very very careful,” said Friend.

Richmond police said they are investigating the scam are reminding everyone to do their research when giving a company money. Police are also asking people to be cautious with phone solicitors, stressing they never ask for donations over the phone.

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