The blue lights of a police car, set upon a blue sky background.

Scammers posing as school principals target victims with fake estate sale emails

STAFFORD COUNTY, Va. — Authorities are warning residents about a phishing scam in which suspects are posing as elementary school principals to trick victims into sending money.

The Stafford County Sheriff’s Office said scammers are sending emails that appear to come from principals at Conway Elementary School and Moncure Elementary School.

In the scheme, the suspect references a supposed staff member hosting an estate sale and offers items for purchase. Victims are then asked to place deposits, which are sent directly to the scammer.

Officials said suspects may also follow up using separate fraudulent email addresses to continue the conversation and pressure victims into sending money.

Residents are urged not to respond to suspicious emails and to verify any claims directly with authorities.

Anyone unsure whether a message is legitimate is encouraged to call the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office at 540-658-4450 and ask to speak with a deputy.

Key Points

Scammers posing as school principals in phishing email scheme
Victims tricked into sending deposits for fake estate sale items
Authorities urge public not to respond and to verify suspicious messages

Chris Quigley Latest posts

Chris Quigley is a Staff Writer and Community News Correspondent for Shore News Network, where she covers local government, public safety, community affairs, politics, and issues impacting residents throughout New Jersey. Her reporting focuses on delivering timely, accurate, and relevant news that helps readers stay informed about the communities in which they live and work.

As a member of the Shore News Network editorial team, Quigley works closely with public officials, community leaders, first responders, and local organizations to provide factual coverage of breaking news, municipal government, public policy, and events affecting New Jersey residents. Her work highlights both major developments and the local stories that shape communities across the state.

Quigley is committed to responsible journalism, emphasizing accuracy, source verification, and transparency in every story she reports. She strives to present information in a clear and accessible manner, helping readers better understand the issues, decisions, and events that impact their daily lives.

Through her work at Shore News Network, Chris Quigley contributes to the organization's mission of providing trusted local news coverage, accountability reporting, and community-focused journalism throughout New Jersey.

Chris Quigley is a graduate of Stockton State University and began her career at IN Jersey, the online news and media branch of the Asbury Park Press. She also worked at Monmouth Internet, the Ocean Signal Newspaper, and JTOWN Magazine during her career in both content management and operations.

Degrees: Business B.A. - Stockton University

Experience and interests: Criminal Justice, Business, Animal Care, Entertainment, Lottery News, Local News