DC Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton Scammed for $4,000 Amid Early Dementia Concerns

Eleanor Holmes Norton, the 88-year-old non-voting congressional delegate for Washington, D.C., was defrauded by scammers posing as HVAC workers who charged over $4,000 to her credit card without performing any services. The incident took place at her home when the supposed visit, which Norton initially believed had been arranged by her staff, turned out to be unauthorized, prompting a police investigation treating it as felony fraud. Police reports mentioned Norton as being in the "early stages of dementia," a claim strongly denied by her office, which clarified that she does not have a caretaker but rather a house manager who oversees maintenance. Despite concerns about her cognitive health raised by colleagues and public speculation, Norton has maintained her commitment to serving in Congress and plans to seek reelection. The case highlights the increasing sophistication of scams targeting residents, with local officials expressing outrage and emphasizing the need for vigilance. Norton's office has thanked police for their prompt response and reported the fraudulent charges to her bank.