MD State Police Recover $18K For Victim Of Phone Scam

WESTMINSTER, MD — Maryland State Police this week helped a Carroll County resident recover $18,000 before he became the victim of a phone scam.

According to a news release, the resident went to the Maryland State Police Westminster Barrack on Monday morning to report the scam. Authorities said the man told troopers he received a call two days earlier from someone claiming to be a Walmart representative and advising him they could repay his debt using pre-paid gift cards.

While on the phone with the caller, police said the man went to Walmart to purchase the gift cards; however, the store clerk denied his request. According to police, the caller then directed the man to obtain certified checks through his bank in the amount of $18,000 and mail them to an address in Florida.

According to authorities, a trooper accompanied the man to his bank to place a hold on the mailed checks. Meanwhile, Meanwhile, investigators contacted the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, which intercepted the package before it was delivered. The package and checks were both returned to the resident, police said.

The incident remains under investigation, according to authorities.

Maryland State Police encouraged residents to use extreme caution whenever you are asked to use a pre-paid gift card to repay a debt or to send money out of state. If they think they were victims of a phone scam, Marylanders should contact their local law enforcement agencies immediately.