Washington, D.C., is currently home to a growing number of scam victims, with the latest incident involving an 88-year-old Democratic Congresswoman, Eleanor Holmes Norton. Norton, who serves as a delegate for the U.S. territory, was the target of a brazen credit card fraud scheme that involved suspects posing as a cleaning crew. The scammers gained access to Norton’s home and her credit card information, resulting in charges of nearly $4,362 for services that were never rendered.
The suspects, who claimed to be a professional cleaning service, arrived at Norton’s home and proceeded to charge her for duct and fireplace cleaning. However, after a review of security footage by her house manager, it became apparent that no prior appointment had been made for the services. This led to the immediate reporting of the alleged fraud to the authorities.
Norton’s office confirmed that the incident was reported to the police, who arrived at her home to ensure her safety. A police car was parked outside her residence as an added precaution due to the suspects’ insistence that they would return. The police also conducted a thorough investigation into the alleged crime, which is under review by U.S. Capitol Police. This case highlights the increasing vulnerability of older individuals to fraud and the importance of securing personal financial information.
The incident has sparked further concern about the security of elderly individuals, as it is a growing issue in the United States. Scammers are increasingly using elaborate tactics to exploit the trust of the elderly, often under the guise of legitimate services. This case serves as a reminder for individuals to remain vigilant and cautious about who they allow into their homes and to ensure their financial information is secure.