The authorities are warning about a phone scam targeting residents by masquerading as law enforcement officials. Scammers are making calls using spoofed caller ID information, making it appear as if the call is coming from the police department itself, and even using the names of actual officers to give their scheme a veneer of credibility. As reported by the Baltimore County Police Department, these fraudsters use high-pressure tactics to trick individuals into wiring money or using other non-traceable payment methods.
In response to these fraudulent activities, BCoPD has provided safety guidelines for the public. They advise residents to avoid answering calls from unknown numbers and to hang up immediately if a call appears suspicious. Additionally, if a caller urges them to press a button to prevent future calls, it is a warning sign to disconnect.
Further recommendations include staying cautious even if a caller asks seemingly harmless questions or presents an offer that appears too good to be true. Scammers may also resort to intimidation to pressure their targets. BCoPD advises residents to hang up and independently contact the company or agency using a verified number from official statements or websites to confirm the call's legitimacy. Additionally, they suggest consulting phone service providers about call-blocking options for both landlines and mobile devices to help prevent future scam attempts.
