Maryland State Police Warn of Widespread Phone Scam Targeting Residents

Maryland State Police are issuing a public warning to residents across the state regarding an ongoing phone scam where individuals are impersonating law enforcement officers to solicit personal information and financial gain. The agency has received numerous reports of citizens being targeted by these fraudulent calls, prompting this advisory to encourage vigilance.

The scam typically involves callers falsely identifying themselves as police officers or state troopers. These impersonators attempt to deceive potential victims by claiming the call is related to a police investigation or by soliciting donations for law enforcement and their families. In some cases, the scammers may even use the actual names of legitimate law enforcement officers to foster a false sense of credibility. It is crucial for residents to understand that the Maryland State Police will never contact individuals via phone or text message to request money, regardless of the stated reason.

To help protect themselves, Marylanders are advised to exercise extreme caution when receiving unsolicited calls requesting personal or financial details. Residents should never provide sensitive information, such as Social Security numbers, bank account details, or credit card numbers, over the phone unless they have independently verified the identity and legitimacy of the caller. Similarly, any requests for payment, whether for fines, arrest warrants, or purported charitable causes, should be treated with suspicion. Police agencies do not solicit funds through direct phone calls.

If a resident receives a suspicious call and wishes to verify the caller’s identity, the recommended course of action is to terminate the call and independently locate the official phone number for the relevant police unit or barrack through a trusted source, such as an official website or directory. Residents should then call that verified number directly to confirm the legitimacy of the original inquiry. If an individual believes they may have inadvertently shared personal information with a scammer, they should immediately contact their financial institutions to report the incident and take necessary protective measures.

Those who suspect they have been targeted by or have fallen victim to this scam are encouraged to report the incident to their local police department or the nearest Maryland State Police barrack. For victims of online crime, including scams that may have originated online, reporting to ic3.gov is also advised.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from Maryland State Police

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