Virginia Beach EMS Warns Public of Fraudulent T-Shirt Scam on Social Media

Virginia Beach Emergency Medical Services is warning the public about a scam involving fraudulent posts on social media claiming to sell official EMS-branded t-shirts. These posts are unauthorized and use the city's logo without permission. Officials urge people not to make purchases through these links or share personal and financial information.

Scam Overview

Virginia Beach Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and the Virginia Beach Volunteer Rescue Squad have issued a warning about fraudulent posts on social media claiming to sell official Virginia Beach EMS-branded t-shirts. These unauthorized posts misuse the city's official logo and branding without permission.

How to Identify These Scams

Fraudulent posts typically display these characteristics:

Use of the official EMS logo and branding without authorization
Merchandise appearing to feature the city's official logo
Sales promoted through personal social media accounts rather than official channels
Unsolicited direct messages or public posts marketing products

Risks of Purchasing from Unauthorized Sources

Buying from these scam posts exposes you to:

Non-delivery or Misrepresentation: Products may never arrive, or items shipped may differ significantly from descriptions
Identity Theft: Personal data including credit card information, addresses, and contact details may be compromised
Financial Loss: Payment may be impossible to recover once transferred to scammers
Malware: Links may contain malicious software that infects your devices

Prevention and Reporting Steps

If you encounter fraudulent posts claiming to sell EMS merchandise:

Do Not Purchase: Avoid clicking on advertised links or completing transactions
Protect Your Information: Never enter personal or financial details on unauthorized websites
Report to the Platform: Use the reporting feature on Facebook, Instagram, X, or other social media platforms to flag the fraudulent content
Spread Awareness: Share this warning with friends and family to prevent others from becoming victims

Verifying Official Products

For legitimate Virginia Beach EMS merchandise or products, visit the official Virginia Beach city website to confirm authorized retailers and purchase channels. Official vendors are always listed through proper city resources.

Getting Help

If you believe you have been victimized by this scam or have questions about suspicious posts, contact the Virginia Beach city government directly for assistance and guidance.