Hanover, VA – On March 27, 2017, Colonel David R. Hines, sheriff, presented two Target employees, Matthew Drye and Mariah Thomas, with Hanover County Sheriff’s Office Challenge Coins. Matthew and Mariah received challenge coins for their efforts in going above and beyond by assisting a couple who had fallen prey to a heartless scam.
On January 26, 2017, a couple received a phone call from an unknown subject claiming to be a police officer with a local jurisdiction that had arrested their grandson. The person posing as a police officer explained to the couple that if they wished to get their grandson out of jail, they would need to purchase two Target gift cards of $2,000.00 apiece. Concerned and wishing to help their grandson, the couple immediately drove to the Mechanicsville Target to purchase the gift cards. Matthew Drye, the cashier, then questioned the couple as to why they needed two gift cards for that amount of money. Mariah Thomas also came over to assist the couple. Both Matthew and Mariah explained to the couple that they believed they were being scammed. This simple act of kindness made the couple question their decision and they too recognized they had fallen victim to a heartless scam.
During the presentation of the Challenge Coins, Colonel Hines spoke to the importance of strong partnerships with our business community and challenged the employees to remain vigilant and to always be ready to help those in need.
“As law enforcement officers, we can’t be in all places at all times. It warms my heart to see our citizens go above and beyond to help each other, which in turn acts as another set of eyes and ears for the Sheriff’s Office. Mr. Drye and Ms. Thomas prove, once again, why Hanover County is such a great place to live, work, and raise a family,” said Colonel David R. Hines, sheriff.
If you or your loved ones have fallen victim to a scam such as this, please contact the Hanover County Sheriff’s Office at (804) 365-6140. For information on fraud and scam prevention tips, please visit our website at http://www.hanoversheriff.com/387/Fraud-and-Scam-Prevention.
