The “Connect with County Leaders” podcast is an opportunity to meet and connect with Fairfax County leaders, to learn about the latest county news and information, and hear more on specific Fairfax County programs and services.

On this edition of “Connect with County Leaders,” (April 2021) host Jim Person connects with Fairfax County Executive Bryan Hill to discuss the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and the increase in vaccine eligibility – and the actual vaccine here in Fairfax County and in Virginia. Another big topic to dive into is the county’s fiscal year 2022 Budget and the recent selection of a new Police chief. 

To listen to other great Fairfax County podcasts, visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/podcasts, and for additional audio content, tune in to Fairfax County Government Radio at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/radio. 

For more Fairfax County news and event information, visit NewsCenter online at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/news. 

For questions, call 703-FAIRFAX (324-7329) weekdays between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., or email publicaffairs@fairfaxcounty.gov. 

The “Connect with County Leaders” podcast is produced by the Fairfax County, Va., Government.

Coronavirus Vaccine, FY2022 Budget and New Police Chief -- “Connect with County Leaders” Podcast

On this edition of the “Health and Safety” podcast, learn about Building Safety Month, an upcoming national EAS test and the upcoming Atlantic hurricane season. Links to topics mentioned in this podcast can be found online at www.fairfaxcounty.gov.

To listen to other county podcasts, visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/podcasts.

For more Fairfax County news and events, visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/news. You also may call 703-FAIRFAX, that’s 703-324-7329, weekdays between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

Health and Safety Podcast (May 19, 2021)

On this edition of the “News to Use” podcast, learn about Building Safety Month, several awards for the Park Authority, NCS summer camps, electric buses and a sale on RECenter passes. 

Links to topics mentioned in this podcast can be found online at www.fairfaxcounty.gov.

To listen to other county podcasts, visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/podcasts.

For more Fairfax County news and events, visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/news. You also may call 703-FAIRFAX, that’s 703-324-7329, weekdays between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

News to Use Podcast (May 19, 2021)

Many people are looking forward to fun festivities this summer. As usual, scammers are finding ways to take advantage of the building excitement. This time, they are cashing in with phony tickets—and even fake events.

This Is how the Scam Works

You see an amazing deal on tickets to a summer festival in your area, usually through a link on social media. The event promises live music, all-you-can-eat, craft beer or wine, or other fun activities.

When you click the social media link, it takes you to a professional website with fantastic pictures. You enter your credit card information to buy tickets, and you think you are all set.

But, before you buy, do a little research. Whether the event is non-existent, merely disappointing, or you just bought phony tickets, the result is the same: someone pockets your hard-earned money!

The Better Business Bureau has received numerous reports from people who either purchased fake tickets to real events or bought tickets to events that never materialized. 

One consumer who purchased tickets to a fake beer crawl reported: “Reviews across multiple platforms make it clear that these events are at best extremely misleading or at worst canceled. No refunds are given, even when their mostly-unreachable customer service email address responds to confirm a refund will be provided.”

How can you protect yourself from these scams:
•	Research before you buy. Search online for the name of the festival and make sure the name advertised matches the website. Scammers often use names that sound similar to those of real events.
•	Check for (working) contact information. Be sure the festival website has a real phone number and email address.  
•	Watch out for prices that sound too good to be true. There is no way a festival can offer tickets at extremely low prices without losing money. If the prices are much lower than elsewhere, it is likely a scam.
•	Pay with a credit card. You can dispute the charges if the business does not come through. Be wary of online sellers that do not accept credit cards. 
•	Avoid tickets sold on Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and other free online listings.  Scammers are skilled at providing realistic tickets and fake receipts. Check out third-party ticket sites at BBB.org before making purchases.

Please share this information. People may be embarrassed or afraid to talk about their experiences, but you can help. A simple phone call, email or text, saying “Look what I just found” may make a difference in someone’s life.

We know that people who talk about scams are less likely to fall for them, and by presenting these Scam Slams we hope to spark discussions by offering conversation-starting ideas. 

From listening to past Scam Slams, you probably already know the tips we just mentioned. But you may know someone who doesn’t. So, give a call to someone who might be a bit isolated, who could use a reminder about these scams. Chances are, they would like to hear from you, and have a chance to talk about how things are going and what is on their mind.

After you talk, invite your friend or relative to call you back if they have questions. If you believe you have been the victim of a scam, call the Fairfax County Police Non-Emergency Line at 703-691-2131, TTY 711.

You can also file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission at ftc.gov/complaint.

If the scam took place on line, computer, text etc. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) website at www.ic3.gov. The Better Business Bureau at BBB.org/

Finally, contact the AARP Fraud Watch Network at 1 (877)-908-3360 or aarp.org/scams with your concern. This will help them warn others.

Fake Events and Phony Tickets Surprise Festival Goers - Scam Slam Audio

The “Connect with County Leaders” podcast is a monthly opportunity to meet and connect with Fairfax County leaders, to learn about the latest county news and information, and hear more on specific Fairfax County programs and services. 

On this edition of “Connect with County Leaders,” host Jim Person connects with County Executive Bryan Hill to talk about the Fiscal Year 2020 Budget, which the Board of Supervisors approved on May 7. For more on the budget, visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/budget.

To listen to other great Fairfax County podcasts, visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/podcasts, and for additional audio content, tune in to Fairfax County Government Radio at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/radio. 

For more Fairfax County news and event information, visit NewsCenter online at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/news. 

For questions, call 703-FAIRFAX (324-7329) weekdays between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., or email publicaffairs@fairfaxcounty.gov. 

The “Connect with County Leaders” podcast is produced by the Fairfax County, Va., Government.

“Connect with County Leaders” Podcast –- County Executive Bryan Hill on the Budget (May 2019)

Official SoundCloud account of Fairfax County Government. 

Fake Events and Phony Tickets Surprise Festival Goers - Scam Slam Audio

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