A new scam is hitting Prince George’s County in Maryland and it’s more convincing than most.
Residents are receiving alarming phone calls from someone claiming to be with the sheriff’s department. The caller warns them of an outstanding warrant for their arrest and then says they can resolve the matter — for a fee.
The twist? Scammers are using the names of real deputies, including Assistant Sheriff Stanford A. Moore Jr., to make the scam seem more legitimate.
The sheriff’s department wants residents to be aware of what to look out for and how to identify these scams.
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What are the police saying?
According to Moore, the sheriff’s department has seen several types of scams in the past, but this one is especially concerning.
“One instance, my name was used as one of the people who may come lock you up,” Moore said. “I’ve heard about scams before, I’ve seen the other emails and I’ve seen different things, but to see your name listed as one of the people who may be out soliciting — it was shocking to me.”
The scammers even instruct victims to meet them in person at the sheriff’s headquarters, likely hoping the location will add legitimacy to their request for cash.
“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," Moore said.
He wants residents to know they will never collect money or financial information by phone.
“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 told NBC 4 Washington.
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What to do if you’re targeted by a warrant scam
A warrant scam is a type of fraud in which scammers pose as law enforcement officers and claim that you have an outstanding warrant for your arrest. They typically demand immediate payment, often through cash, gift cards, or wire transfers, to avoid jail time.
These scams rely on fear and urgency to pressure victims into handing over money without verifying the legitimacy of the claim. The threat of jail — paired with the use of a real officer’s name — can make even savvy residents feel pressured to act without thinking.
But Moore wants the public to remember one simple rule: “Always call and verify.”
Moore adds: “If somebody is claiming to be a police officer, claiming to be a deputy sheriff, have [the resident] call 911 to verify or call the sheriff’s office,” he said. “We have a website. We have a mobile app." Similarly, don’t panic and don’t agree to meet. Take the following steps instead:
- Hang up and call police directly: Don’t trust a number the caller gives you. Use the sheriff’s official website or call 911. Ask if there is a warrant for you and find out if anyone called.
- Never send money or gift cards: Law enforcement will never request payment over the phone or ask for payment in gift cards, cryptocurrency or via cash payment apps.
- Be skeptical of urgency: Scammers want you to act fast so you don’t have a chance to assess their claims critically and that’s always a red flag. If you’re concerned about contacting law enforcement yourself, consider reaching out to a trusted friend or family member for guidance.
- Verify identities independently: Just because someone knows a real name or badge number doesn’t mean they’re legitimate because these days such information is often available online or even in data breaches. Search the provided names online — but remember, sometimes scammers use real names to give their call a sense of legitimacy.
- Report the scam: If you receive a suspicious call, notify the sheriff’s office or other law enforcement agency immediately. There may be other victims and you could be preventing future crimes.
Prince George’s County Sheriffs are hoping that spreading the word about this scam will help protect residents from parting with their hard-earned cash. For the scammers, Moore has a message: “We’re just here to say enough is enough."
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This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
