A woman receiving a call while wearing a face mask at Long Bridge Park in May 2020 (Staff Photo by Jay Westcott)
Phone-based scams are common — but just how common?
That’s what we’re wondering in today’s morning poll, following an article we published last week, which detailed a local woman’s experience getting targeted by a sophisticated phone scammer.
It started with a phone call. Somebody claiming to be her daughter alleged she was being held by the police after striking a pregnant woman. She herself had a broken nose, according to the caller whose caller ID claimed to be from Woodbridge.
“This person on the phone had the exact mannerisms that my daughter has,” the mother said. “She said my name the same way that she usually does. She apologized profusely like she normally would.”
The caller claimed that bail was set at $180,000, before passing the phone to a supposed police officer. Soon after, the mother received a call from a Texas phone number, from somebody claiming to be an attorney.
That’s when the red flags started getting raised.
The article is among the most-read on ARLnow over the past week, pointing perhaps to worries that a similar attempted scam could happen to almost anyone.
To find out how common it actually is, today we’re asking readers: have you ever been targeted by a phone scam?
Raindrops and wet pavement along Four Mile Run in Shirlington (staff photo by Jay Westcott)
County Legal Notice Snafu — “All Arlington property owners will receive new tax bills in the mail in coming days, after County Board members on June 6 re-adopt the county’s new scheme to recoup its stormwater costs. The measure had been adopted in December, but county officials apparently only recently realized it had not been advertised in a way that met Virginia law.” [Gazette Leader]
Firm Behind Dead Bear Dump IDed — “The Virginia Department of Transportation has named the contractor responsible for throwing a bear carcass that ended up near an Arlington, Virginia, trail off an overpass. VDOT confirmed to WTOP that Webber, which has an office in Fairfax County, was the contractor involved and the company has a five-year, $23.5 million contract with the department.” [WTOP]
Ballston Target Robbery — “The male suspect allegedly entered the store, concealed merchandise and attempted to leave the business during which he was confronted by loss prevention personnel. The suspect then shoved them, exited the store and fled the scene on foot. A lookout was broadcast and responding officers located the suspect on a bus in the area of the 900 block of N. Stuart Street and took him into custody.” [ACPD]
Va. Ditching Cali Car Regs — “Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin said Wednesday that the state will no longer follow car emissions standards set by California, despite his party’s failure to repeal or roll back a 2021 Democratic law that tied Virginia to those regulations.” [Virginia Mercury / FFXnow]
Get Well Soon, Lowell — From Matthew Hurtt: “Thoughts and prayers are with [Lowell Feld] of @bluevirginia. Wishing for a speedy and full recovery.” [Twitter]
It’s Thursday — Showers and thunderstorms are expected throughout the day, with a likelihood between 11am and 5pm, and a high temperature near 84°F. There is a 70% chance of precipitation, with new rainfall amounts between a tenth and a quarter of an inch, and higher amounts possible during thunderstorms. For Thursday night, the chance of showers and thunderstorms decreases to 30%, mainly before 8pm, with partly cloudy skies and a low around 65°F. [NWS]
Each week, “Just Reduced” spotlights properties in Arlington County whose prices have been cut over the previous week. The market summary is crafted by Arlington Realty, Inc. Maximize your real estate investment with the team by visiting www.arlingtonrealtyinc.com or calling 703-836-6000 today!
Please note: The properties featured here may be listed with other brokerages– but that doesn’t limit your options. Arlington Realty, Inc. is ready to represent you, arrange showings, analyze value, and negotiate the best possible terms on your behalf. We understand the neighborhoods, pricing trends and market timing — and we usethat knowledge to your advantage.
As of April 27, there are 177 detached homes, 39 townhouses and 207 condos for sale throughout Arlington County. In total, 37 homes experienced a price reduction in the past week, including:
Please note that this is solely a selection of Just Reduced properties available in Arlington County. For a complete list of properties within your target budget and specifications, contact Arlington Realty, Inc.
Showers and thunderstorms are expected throughout the day, with a likelihood between 11am and 5pm, and a high temperature near 84°F. Southwest winds will blow at around 9 mph. There is a 70% chance of precipitation, with new rainfall amounts between a tenth and a quarter of an inch, and higher amounts possible during thunderstorms. For Thursday night, the chance of showers and thunderstorms decreases to 30%, mainly before 8pm, with partly cloudy skies and a low around 65°F, accompanied by a 6 mph west wind. See more from Weather.gov.
💡 Quote of the Day
“The only way to do great work is to love what you do.” – Steve Jobs
The Rosslyn Farmers Market brings fresh, locally grown food to the heart of the neighborhood on Wednesdays from 2-6 p.m. beginning on May 6. Located at Central Place Plaza (1800 N Lynn St) and operated in partnership with FRESHFARM, this thoughtfully curated mid-week market connects the community with regional farmers and food producers offering seasonal produce, baked goods, ready-to-eat items, and other local essentials.
Just steps from the Rosslyn Metro station, the market is a convenient destination for Arlington residents, commuters, and visitors searching for a farmers market near Washington, D.C. From farm-fresh vegetables to artisanal breads, the Rosslyn Farmers Market makes it easy to restock your pantry or fridge with dinner-ready staples right in the middle of the workweek.
First Impression in Green Valley (staff photo by Jared Serre)
Being in the kitchen is in Aaron Green’s blood.
Green’s grandfather once ran a carry-out in Arlington, so it’s no surprise to see Green behind one of his own. That family pedigree is the foundation for First Impression Soul & Seafood, which Green opened last year in Arlington’s Green Valley neighborhood.
ChiKo chef Scott Drewno and Taco Bamba chef Victor Albisu (courtesy LeadingDC)
Two local chefs will compare “giant meat sticks” this weekend.
Chefs from ChiKo and Taco Bamba will battle in a “fried faceoff” to determine whose oversized eggroll reigns supreme. The event, dubbed “Meat in the Street,” will be held at The Village at Shirlington during the day on Sunday, June 9.
Utility work at the planned site of PenPlace, the next phase of HQ2, in June 2024 (staff photo by Dan Egitto)
Utility work for HQ2’s stalled second phase is continuing this month, but Amazon is still keeping mum about a construction timeline.
Several sidewalk and crosswalk closures are scheduled for the next few weeks in the area of the planned PenPlace site in Pentagon City, contractor Clark Construction said in an update to neighbors.
People walking on a sidewalk in Ballston (file photo)
Arlington has ranked at the top of a list of the best places for new college grads to start their careers.
A new study by the website CoworkingCafe put Arlington at the No. 1 spot for “mid-sized cities,” just ahead of neighboring Alexandria at No. 2 and tech hub Bellevue, Washington at No. 3.
Old Pentagon Row sign removed at Westpost in Pentagon City (courtesy anonymous)
RiverHouse Plan Scaled Down — “The Bethesda-based developer now wants to add about 1,500 new residential units to the 36-acre assemblage at 1111 Army Navy Drive and 1400 and 1600 South Joyce St., according to a revised phased development site plan application filed May 24 with Arlington County’s planning department. That’s about a quarter fewer than the nearly 2,000 new units proposed in that application’s previous iteration, filed in 2023.” [Washington Business Journal]
Another Weekend Robbery in Ballston — “When the suspect was confronted outside of the business by an employee, he threatened the employe. Shortly after, the suspect re-entered the store, concealed additional items and attempted to exit the store without payment. The employee confronted the suspect again and he shoved her. Another employee then recovered the items from the suspect before he fled the scene on foot.” [ACPD]
Police Hosting Pride Event — “The Arlington County Police Department… [is] proud to announce the 4th annual Pride with the Police event at Freddie’s Beach Bar and Restaurant. This informal opportunity gives community members the chance to discuss public safety concerns, ask questions and get to know the police and other County personnel who serve them while enjoying light refreshments and lawn games.” [ACPD]
Upcoming Lane Closures on I-395 — “The northbound I-395 general purpose lanes will have lane closures at the Shirlington interchange Friday night, June 7 (backup date: Saturday night, June 8) to implement a traffic shift, according to the Virginia Department of Transportation.” [VDOT]
Nail Salon Planning Fall Opening — “Andréa Vieira, the D.C.-based Latina salontrepreneur, is planning to open her fifth nailsaloon location in Arlington in early autumn. The woman-of-color owned company specializes in providing non-toxic nail care to its clientele.” [Patch]
Local Barbershop Expands to Maryland — “Bearded Goat Barber is coming soon to 720 Center Point Way in Gaithersburg’s Kentlands neighborhood… Its first location in Ballston opened in 2019.” [MoCoShow]
It’s Wednesday — Expect showers and thunderstorms, increasing in likelihood after 2pm with a high near 83°F and a southeast wind of 5-8 mph. Precipitation has an 80% chance; new rainfall may vary from a tenth to a quarter of an inch, with higher amounts in thunderstorms. Wednesday night also has an 80% chance of precipitation, with showers and thunderstorms before 5am, and a low around 71°F. [NWS]
