Scam targets Irving residents

I want to alert fellow Irving residents to a disturbing scam that recently happened outside my home. A man sat in his parked car on our street for well over an hour. Eventually, he rang our doorbell. We didn’t answer. But instead of leaving, he returned to his car, then stepped out and began taking pictures of our vehicles.

That’s when I went outside and asked, “Can I help you?” in a firm tone. He was wearing a USPS lanyard, but did not identify himself with any official credentials. What he said next was chilling: he claimed that our local mail carrier had flagged our home as potentially involved in sex trafficking. He told me that if I hadn’t come outside, he would have called in the SWAT team. He then pulled up his phone and pretended to show me a post listing our address on some sort of “trafficking” watchlist.

It quickly became clear what he was doing: trying to scare us into inviting him inside, likely to “prove” we had nothing to hide. But here’s the truth: that’s exactly what scammers are hoping you’ll do. Once inside, they demand money to “make the accusation go away,” or worse, they rob or harm you.

This is not just a disturbing interaction. It’s a calculated con that preys on fear and confusion.

I told the man that if law enforcement wished to come investigate, they were welcome, but I would not be letting an unverified stranger into my home. At that point, he left.

Neighbors, please stay vigilant. If you see someone parked on your street for a suspiciously long time, especially if they’re watching homes or taking photos, call the police. These scammers may be watching for homes where there’s limited activity. Someone who lives alone, or is home during the day while others are at work.

Fear is a powerful tool in the hands of a criminal. Don’t let it open your door.

Stay safe, Irving,

 

A concerned citizen