Phone Scammers Posing As Prince George's Police Officers Targets Residents

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, MD — Residents are being warned about a phone scam where callers are pretending to be Prince George's police officers in an attempt to steal money and obtain personal information.

In this scam, a suspect calls a victim from what appears to be a legitimate PGPD or county government phone number and then poses as a police officer. During the call, the scammer tells the victim they have an open arrest warrant or other legal issue that requires immediate attention. In order to resolve the issue or avoid arrest, the victim is asked to provide private information to include their social security number or is directed to transfer money. In one case, a victim sent thousands of dollars, the Prince George's Police Department stated.

In many of these cases, the suspect has downloaded software that allows them to make calls displaying any phone number or name they want to appear on the caller ID.

"Please know that the Prince George’s County Police Department will never solicit private information, money or credit card information over the phone. If you receive a suspicious call, please contact our agency to verify the call. We also encourage you to share this information with your family, friends and neighbors," the police department stated.