Metro News Release

For immediate release: October 24, 2003

As the holidays fast approach, Metro reminds customers to be aware of surroundings and watch out for "scam artists"

The holidays are fast approaching, and Metro is reminding the more than one million people who use Metrorail and Metrobus each day to pay attention to their surroundings and watch out for "scam artists." Occasionally, Metro customers have reported to the Metro Transit Police that they were approached by an individual who seemed to be distressed and needed assistance. The individual often appears well dressed and is very courteous in describing their situation. The individual explains that due to unforseen circumstances, he or she "needs just a few dollars for cab fare." However, it is difficult to determine if the need is genuine. Sometimes that same individual is seen later riding the Metro system, attempting to urge another customer to give him or her money. "This situation involves someone taking advantage of a sympathetic customer, sympathy which a ’scam artist’ uses to his or her advantage for monetary gain," said Polly Hanson, Metro Transit Chief of Police. "Even though the decision to provide financial assistance to a patron is a personal choice, the Metro Transit Police want our customers to know that this interaction could constitute a crime on the part of the persons seeking assistance. So, we urge our customers to contact the Metro Transit Police immediately if this situation occurs." In the event of a similar situation or an emergency, Metrorail customers are encouraged to use the emergency intercoms located on station platforms, inside elevators, and at the ends of each subway car, or contact a Metro Transit Police officer, station manager, or other uniformed Metro employee. Metrobus customers are encouraged to notify the bus operator in the event of an emergency, and the operator, in turn, will notify police. "Metro is considered one of the safest transit agencies in the country, and our dedicated transit police officers will continue to work hard to keep our system safe for passengers and employees 24-hours-a-day," Chief Hanson said. Customers are encouraged to call Metro Transit Police 24-hours-a-day at 202-962-2121 when they want to report suspicious activity.

News release issued on October 24, 2003.