Scam Alert: Impersonators Pretending to Be Sheriff’s Office Demand Money

HAGERSTOWN, MD News (8/6/2024) – In recent weeks, a new wave of scams has emerged in which fraudsters impersonate law enforcement officials, specifically members of the Sheriff’s Office, to extort money from unsuspecting victims. These scammers have become increasingly sophisticated, even spoofing the official phone number of the Sheriff’s Office to lend credibility to their fraudulent claims.

How the Scam Works

Victims report receiving calls from individuals claiming to be Sheriff’s Office representatives. These callers assert that the recipient of the call faces immediate arrest unless they pay a specified amount of money. The urgency and threat of legal consequences can be alarming, causing many to comply out of fear.

However, it is crucial to understand that law enforcement agencies do not operate this way. The Sheriff’s Office will never call to demand payment over the phone to settle court orders, jury duty obligations, warrants, or other court-related issues. Such matters are always handled directly through the court system.

Identifying Scammer Tactics

Scammers are adept at creating a sense of panic and urgency to pressure their targets into acting swiftly without thinking. Here are some common tactics used by these fraudsters and key phrases that can help identify a scam:

• “Act now!”
  • Scammers insist on immediate action, leaving no time for deliberation. Any call to urgent action is a red flag.
• “Only say what I tell you to say.”
  • If someone instructs you to lie to bank tellers, investment brokers, or anyone else, it is a clear indication of a scam.
• “Don’t trust anyone. They’re in on it.”
  • Scammers attempt to isolate you by fostering distrust in others, thereby preventing you from seeking advice or help.
• “Do [this], or you’ll be arrested.”
  • Threats of arrest over the phone are always fraudulent. Law enforcement agencies do not operate in this manner.
• “Don’t hang up.”
  • If a caller insists on keeping you on the line while you perform actions such as withdrawing or transferring money or purchasing gift cards, it is undoubtedly a scam. Hanging up immediately is the safest course of action.

Actions Only Scammers Will Instruct You to Take

In addition to recognizing their language, being aware of the actions scammers often instruct their victims to take can further help in identifying fraud:

• “Move your money to protect it.”
  • No legitimate institution will ever advise you to transfer or withdraw your money under the guise of protecting it.
• “Withdraw money and buy gold bars.”
  • Instructions to purchase gold bars are always part of a scam.
• “Withdraw cash and give it to [anyone].”
  • Any demand to hand over cash, regardless of the purported recipient, is fraudulent.
• “Go to a Bitcoin ATM.”
  • Legitimate entities do not require the use of cryptocurrency or Bitcoin ATMs for any transactions.
• “Buy gift cards.”
  • No legitimate reason exists for making payments with gift cards. Such a request is a definitive sign of a scam.

Protecting Yourself

If you encounter any of these phrases or instructions, it is imperative to stop immediately. Hang up the phone, delete the email, cease texting, and block the number. Taking these steps can prevent significant financial loss and protect your personal information.

The Sheriff’s Office emphasizes that they will never call to request money or personal information. If you receive such a call, report it to the authorities and help prevent others from falling victim to these scams.

Story by multiple RFHC contributors