The Fredericksburg Police Department and Adult Protective Services are warning residents—especially seniors—about a growing wave of gift card scams targeting older adults.
Investigators say scammers are posing as government officials, relatives in distress, or representatives of legitimate organizations and pressuring victims to purchase gift cards or send money through cryptocurrency ATMs. Authorities say no government agency will ever demand payment by gift card and urge residents to slow down, verify any urgent request, and call a trusted family member or official source before taking action.
Police advise residents never to share gift card numbers, banking details, or personal information with anyone who contacts them unexpectedly.
Suspected scams can be reported to Fredericksburg Police at (540) 373-3122, Adult Protective Services at (540) 940-2401, or the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 833-372-8311.
