Eleanor Holmes Norton, an 88-year-old Dem congressional delegate, scammed by phony ‘cleaning crew’ at DC home
In a troubling incident that underscores the vulnerability of elderly individuals to scams, Eleanor Holmes Norton, an 88-year-old Democratic congressional delegate representing Washington, D.C., was defrauded out of more than $4,000 by individuals posing as a “cleaning crew.” According to reports from Fox News Digital and WRC-TV, the suspects gained access to her home under the pretense of providing duct and fireplace cleaning services. Once inside, they charged her credit card nearly $4,362 for services that were never rendered. The deception was uncovered when a house manager, who oversees maintenance services for Norton, reported the fraud after confirming no such appointment had been arranged.
The incident highlights the importance of vigilance, especially for senior citizens who may be more susceptible to scams. Norton’s office indicated that the congresswoman initially believed the visit was legitimate, as she had provided her credit card for payment. However, upon further investigation using Ring doorbell footage, her house manager confirmed that the cleaning crew had no scheduled appointment. This led to an immediate report to the police, ensuring that law enforcement was aware of the situation and could take appropriate action. U.S. Capitol Police responded promptly to ensure Norton’s safety, even stationing a police car outside her residence due to concerns that the suspects might return.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for increased awareness and protective measures against scams targeting the elderly. With the rise of such fraudulent activities, it is crucial for families and caregivers to discuss safety protocols and verify appointments for services, especially when dealing with individuals who may enter their homes. As Norton continues her work in Congress, her experience sheds light on the broader issue of elder fraud and the importance of community vigilance in protecting vulnerable populations.
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An 88-year-old Democratic congressional delegate for
Washington, D.C.
, was scammed out of more than $4,000 Thursday when suspects showed up at her home claiming to be a “cleaning crew,” Fox News Digital has confirmed.
The suspects accessed Eleanor Holmes Norton’s credit card after they were let inside her D.C. home.
They charged nearly $4,362 for duct and fireplace cleaning to her credit card while doing no work, according to
WRC-TV
.
Someone who Norton’s office described as a house manager stopped and reported the alleged fraud after confirming there was no appointment for HVAC services.
POSTAL FRAUD INVESTIGATOR ALLEGEDLY STOLE MORE THAN $330K FROM ELDERLY SCAM VICTIMS HE WAS MEANT TO PROTECT
HOW THIEVES USE NEW CREDIT CARD NUMBERS BEFORE YOU RECEIVE THEM
Her office told the news station, “The congresswoman employs a house manager who oversees all maintenance services, so she initially assumed her staff had arranged the visit and provided her credit card for payment.
“Upon notifying her house manager, who reviewed Ring doorbell footage and confirmed that no such appointment had been scheduled, the incident was immediately
reported to the police
.”
U.S. Capitol Police arrived at Norton’s home after the
alleged crime
to make sure Norton was safe, and a police car was parked outside her home out of an abundance of caution because the suspects “were adamant they were coming back,” a source told Fox News.
Eric
Eric is a seasoned journalist covering US Politics news.
