$12K Scammed From Prince George's Residents In 1 Week

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, MD — Residents have been warned that scammers are pretending to be Prince George's County sheriff's deputies and swindling people out of more than $12,000 in the past week alone.

The scammers are using the real names of sheriff's deputies and falsely claiming that the individual they've called has an outstanding warrant for failing to appear in court. Victims are instructed not to hang up the phone and are pressured to pay an immediate “fee” using gift cards or Bitcoin to avoid being arrested, according to the Prince George's County Sheriff's Office.

Sheriff John D.B. Carr said "that no deputy from the Prince George’s County Office of the Sheriff will ever call to demand payment, request personal financial information or instruct anyone to meet in a parking lot to resolve a legal matter."

If you receive such a call, hang up immediately and contact the sheriff’s office at 301-780-8500, Carr said.

Scammers also are impersonating College Park city officials, pretending to be leaf collection crew members and charging for services.

"We want to remind residents that only city staff wear city issued uniforms, drive or use marked city vehicles and machinery, have a city ID and use official @collegeparkmd.gov email addresses. If anything seems suspicious and/or you don't see official markings or communications, please do not engage or respond. You can always contact city departments with any questions," College Park officials said.

Residents are asked to report any scamming activity to Prince George's County Police so that police can investigate immediately. Any photos or tag numbers of engaged suspicious persons/vehicles should be relayed to the police. Report any suspicious behavior to Prince George's County Police by calling the non-emergency number at 301-352-1200. Report crimes and emergencies to 9-1-1.