The Washington County Sheriff’s Office in Maryland is warning residents about scammers impersonating deputies and demanding money under threats of arrest.
The agency has received reports of callers claiming residents have a warrant or missed jury duty. The callers may demand immediate payment through gift cards, cryptocurrency, Bitcoin ATMs, wire transfers or payment apps such as Zelle, Cash App or Venmo.
The sheriff’s office said law enforcement officers will not call demanding payment to avoid arrest or request fines and fees through gift cards, cryptocurrency or payment apps.
Scammers may alter caller ID to display a legitimate law enforcement phone number. They may also use a real officer’s name or have personal information about the person they contact.
Residents who receive these calls should hang up, avoid sending money or providing personal information, and refrain from calling the number back. To verify a claim, contact the agency using a trusted phone number.
