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)

Hi, I’m Martin Bailey a member of the Northern Virginia AARP Fraud Watch Network, the Virginia Senior Medicare Patrol and Fairfax County’s Silver Shield Task Force.

Our motto is that the best way to avoid a scam is to know what’s going around. 

And what’s going around right now are Scam Texts on Your Smartphone.

 The following information is provided by the AARP Fraud Watch Network.

Today scammers bombard our mobile phones 24/7. The cybercriminals to blame for these illicit texts pretend to be from government agencies, legitimate businesses and even our financial institutions. 
What are some ways that we can stay safe?
1. Do not respond to suspicious text messages. Don't even reply by messaging “STOP” or “NO."
2. Do not click on hyperlinks or attachments in suspect messages.
3. Take steps to filter unwanted messages or block them before they reach you.
According to the Federal Trade Commission, $86 million was reported lost in 2020 from frauds originating in scam texts.   
In 5 percent of overall cases, victims said they lost money; their median loss was $800.
Cybercriminals go to great lengths to fool us. They masquerade as government agencies, legitimate businesses and some even personalize texts, addressing you by name to evoke an air of authenticity.
The crooks play mind games, too: They fire off tempting texts about supposed opportunities for big money. They lie by saying you are owed a refund. Or they purport to be a package delivery worker who is eager to hand off your parcel and asks that you click a link to confirm when you'll be home.
Criminals also capitalize on the fear factor, asserting in texts that you could lose money, have been accused of a crime, or will be mortified when embarrassing details about your life are exposed. 
So here's the bottom line: If you have a smartphone, be a smart consumer.

Here are some additional tips from consumer advocates on protecting yourself against scam texts.
•	Several mobile phone providers allow you to block a sender by forwarding unwanted texts to 7726 ("SPAM"). Check with your provider about this and other blocking options available on your phone, through your wireless provider or using a call-blocking app. 

•	 Do not respond to texts from unknown numbers or others that appear suspicious. Replying “STOP” or “NO” signals to scammers that your phone number is active, and your number could be sold to other criminals.
•	Keep in mind that scammers often spoof phone numbers  by making it appear the texter is local or from a legitimate entity to trick you into responding.
•	Be extra cautious if pressured to immediately divulge information or make a payment.
•	Never share personal or financial information via a text, email or phone call.
•	If you're not sure a text is legit, contact the purported sender using a phone number you know to be legitimate.
•	Do not click on links or attachments in untrustworthy texts. If a friend sends you a text with a suspicious link, check with the acquaintance to determine if he or she has been hacked.

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 file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau at BBB Scam Tracker. 

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

If the scam took place online, on your computer or via text, go to The Federal Bureau of Investigation Internet Crime Complaint Center website at www.ic3.gov

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

Thanks so much for listening. Take care, be safe and most of all stay healthy!

How to Spot Scam Texts on Your Smartphone - Scam Slam Audio

Fairfax County Police Civilian Review Panel Meeting (Aug. 3, 2023)

Police Civilian Review Panel Meeting (Aug. 3, 2023)

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. 

How to Spot Scam Texts on Your Smartphone - Scam Slam Audio

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