Prince George’s County Law Enforcement Impersonation Scam

Fake Warrant Scam Targets Prince George’s County Residents

Prince George’s County residents are being warned about an alarming surge in scams involving individuals falsely claiming to be law enforcement officers. These con artists are using refined tactics, including the names of real sheriff’s office employees, to deceive victims into believing they have outstanding warrants.

Sheriff’s Office Issues Urgent warning About Fake Warrant Scam

Assistant Sheriff Stanford A. Moore Jr. issued a strong statement, emphasizing the severity of the situation. “We’re just here to say enough is enough,” Moore stated, highlighting the office’s commitment to protecting the community from these fraudulent schemes.

the Office of The Prince George’s County Sheriff has received numerous reports of this bold scam, prompting them to issue an urgent warning. while the claims of outstanding warrants are entirely fabricated, the potential financial and emotional harm to residents is vrey real.

“We’re not calling people to spark fear and demand money because you may have missed a court date or whatever the fact may be,” Moore said, reassuring residents that legitimate law enforcement agencies do not operate in this manner.

Scammers Use Real Names of Law Enforcement

According to Moore, the concerning aspect of this particular scam is the use of actual names of sheriff’s office personnel. This tactic adds a layer of credibility to the fraud, making it more likely that unsuspecting individuals will fall victim.

“One instance, my name was used as one of the people who may come lock you up,” Moore said. “And I’ve heard about scams before, I’ve seen the other emails and I’ve seen different emails, but to see your name listed as one of the people who might potentially be out soliciting, it was shocking to me.”

Victims Instructed to Bring Money to Sheriff’s Headquarters

Adding insult to injury, the scammers have been directing victims to meet them at the sheriff’s headquarters with cash in hand. This brazen move further underscores the audacity of the perpetrators.

“This is, this is where we work every day, and they’re telling people to meet them here in the parking lot, bring cash money and then we’ll get you out of this warrant, which is totally false.”

How to Protect Yourself from Warrant Scams

The sheriff’s office urges residents to exercise caution and verify any claims made by individuals identifying themselves as law enforcement. moore advises, “The number one thing is, always call and verify.”

“If somebody is claiming to be a police officer,claiming to be a deputy sheriff,have them call 911 to verify or call the sheriff’s office; we have a website,we have a mobile app.”

The sheriff’s office has made it clear: they will never attempt to collect money or request financial details over the phone.

Pro Tip: Never provide personal information or payment details to anyone claiming to be law enforcement without independently verifying their identity.

Understanding Common Scam Tactics

Scammers frequently enough use high-pressure tactics to create a sense of urgency and prevent victims from thinking clearly. They may threaten arrest, legal action, or other negative consequences if immediate payment is not made.

Another common tactic is to request payment via untraceable methods such as gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency. Legitimate law enforcement agencies do not operate in this manner.

Did You Know? According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC),imposter scams,including those impersonating government officials,are among the most prevalent and costly types of fraud reported in the United States.

Resources for Victims of Scams

If you believe you have been targeted by a scam, it is important to report it to the appropriate authorities. Contact the Prince George’s County Sheriff’s Office, your local police department, and the FTC.

Important: If you have sent money to scammers, contact your bank or financial institution instantly to report the fraud and attempt to recover your funds.

Here’s a comparison of legitimate vs. scam law enforcement practices:

Legitimate Law Enforcement	Scam Law Enforcement
Communicates via official channels (mail, in-person)	Contacts via phone or email demanding immediate payment
Never demands payment via gift cards or wire transfers	Requests payment through untraceable methods
Provides clear identification and badge number	Refuses to provide verifiable credentials
Allows time for verification and consultation	Uses high-pressure tactics and threats

Staying Safe From Future Scams

• Never provide personal or financial information over the phone unless you initiated the call and are certain of the recipient’s identity.
• Be wary of unsolicited calls or emails from individuals claiming to represent law enforcement or government agencies.
• Always verify the identity of the caller by contacting the agency directly using a known phone number.
• Do not be pressured into making immediate payments or providing sensitive information.
• Report any suspicious activity to the appropriate authorities.

By staying informed and vigilant, Prince George’s County residents can protect themselves from falling victim to these increasingly sophisticated scams.

Have you or someone you know been targeted by a similar scam? what steps do you take to verify the legitimacy of unexpected calls or emails? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below to help protect our community!

if you receive a call claiming to be from the Prince George’s County Police Department, what is the frist step you should take?

Prince George’s County Law Enforcement Impersonation Scam: Protecting Yourself from Fraud

understanding the Prince George’s County Law Enforcement Impersonation Scam

The Prince George’s County Police Department (PGPD) has reported a concerning rise in law enforcement impersonation scams targeting residents. these scams, including police impersonation calls and fake officer scams, aim to deceive individuals into providing personal data, money, or gift cards under false pretenses. Understanding how these scams operate is the first step in protecting yourself.

Common Tactics Used by Scammers

Scammers employ various tactics to appear legitimate.These can include:

• Phone Calls: Scammers frequently enough call, claiming to be from the PGPD or other agencies. They may spoof the phone number to show a legitimate PGPD number. Key phrase: police impersonation phone call.
• Threats of Arrest: Threats of arrest or legal action are frequently used.
• Compromising Information: Fraudsters often have specific information about the persons they are contacting.
• Demanding Money/Gift Cards: Scammers may demand payment of supposed fines or fees using untraceable methods like gift cards or wire transfers.

How to Identify a Prince George’s County Impersonation Scam

Recognizing the red flags of a law enforcement scam is crucial. Be vigilant for these indicators:

Red Flags to watch Out for

• Urgency: Scammers create a sense of urgency, pressuring you to act immediately.
• Unusual Payment Methods: Law enforcement agencies typically do not demand payment via gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency.
• Threats and intimidation: Legitimate police officers will not threaten arrest or violence.
• Requests for Personal Information: Never give out sensitive information (Social Security number, bank details) over the phone or email unless you’ve verified the caller’s identity independently.
• Spoofed Phone Numbers: Always be cautious of caller ID; many scam calls use spoofed numbers.

Consider these tips as a guide to prevent becoming a victim of a PG county scam.

Protecting Yourself: Prevention Tips and Best practices

Taking proactive steps can significantly reduce your risk of falling victim to a police impersonation scam in Maryland.

Practical Tips for Staying Safe

Hear are some simple but effective measures:

1. Verify the caller: If you receive a suspicious call, hang up and independently call the PGPD or relevant agency using a published, verified phone number.
2. Never Give Personal Information: Do not provide any financial or personal information over the phone or email unless you initiated the contact and are certain of the recipient’s identity.
3. be Skeptical: If something sounds too good to be true or creates a high level of urgency consider it a scam.
4. Educate Yourself: Stay informed about the latest scams and fraud techniques.
5. Use Call Blocking and Caller ID: Utilize call-blocking services to screen unwanted calls and be cautious of unexpected calls.

What to Do If You Suspect a Scam

If you believe you’ve been targeted or victimized by a police impersonation fraud, follow these steps immediately:

Reporting and Assistance

Quick action can help prevent further harm.

Action	Details
Contact the Police:	Report the incident to the Prince George’s County Police Department by calling 301-352-1200 (non-emergency number). This is one of the most important steps.
Report to the FTC:	File a report wiht the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. This is essential. Helps provide resources for others.
Inform Your Bank:	If you’ve provided financial information, contact your bank immediately to report the potential fraud and take measures to secure your accounts.
Notify family and friends:	Alert your friends, family and community about the scam to warn others.