Crime & Safety

Scam Artists Targeting Elderly in Woodbridge

Police are asking residents to be extra alert after two reported incidents at residences in town.

Woodbridge Police are encouraging residents to be extra vigilant following two incidents in which scam artists targeted elderly residents in town.

The first incident was an attempted diversion-type burglary. Police said an elderly female was approached by a male who came to her door claiming to be doing tree pruning work at a neighboring house. The man requested the homeowner come with him into the backyard to show him the property lines, according to the report.  

The subject wanted to know if anyone else was at home, and when asked why, he reportedly replied that he had to be sure to notify all of the members of the household. When the elderly resident became suspicious and refused to go into the backyard, the suspect left.  

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Police said a check with all neighbors in the area revealed that none had tree work scheduled. 

Description of the Suspect

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The suspect was described as a male, possibly Hispanic, in his early 20s. He was carrying a cell phone and a clipboard, and driving a smaller, dark colored, pickup truck.  

Several days after this Woodbridge incident an identical incident occurred in a neighboring community, police said. In that incident, police said, the residents went into the yard with the suspect, and upon returning inside found that the suspect’s accomplice had gone into the home, rifled through items, and removed currency from a purse.

Home Improvement-Type Scam

The second incident in Woodbridge was a home improvement-type scam. 

During this one, an elderly resident was approached by three white males in a gray colored truck. They offered to repair cracks in his driveway for $4,000. After some negotiation the homeowner agreed to pay the subjects $1,400, police said; however, they demanded to be paid in cash, rather than a check. 

The subjects then followed the resident to the bank, where he made a withdrawl and then paid them in full, but the subjects never returned to the house to do the work.

'Be Wary of Unsolicited Offers'

In light of the incidents, Woodbridge Police say residents should be wary of unsolicited offers for home repairs. 

When deciding on a contractor, homeowners should  be sure to get a written contract, verify they are licensed and insured, check references, and try to avoid making any payments before the work begins. Final payment should never be made until the resident is satisfied with the completed job, police said.

Residents should also be alert to con-artists posing as tree cutters and utility workers. "Remember that most utility workers will not send a worker to your home unannounced, and the company representative most likely will be in uniform, should be able to produce proper identification when requested, and usually will be operating a vehicle bearing company markings," police said.

"More importantly, residents are urged not to hesitate, and to contact the police department immediately to report any suspicious person or activity."

Police Contact Information

The Woodbridge Police Department can be reached at 203-387-2511.

Bethany residents can call Resident Trooper David Merriam at 203-393-2100, ext. 129, or Troop I directly at 203-393-4200.


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