La Plata, MD – Residents across Southern Maryland are being warned today about a phone scam in which callers pose as law enforcement officers and claim a loved one has been arrested.
According to the Charles County Sheriff’s Office, in coordination with the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office and Calvert County Sheriff’s Office, scammers are contacting individuals and offering to arrange a loved one’s release from jail. Callers may claim the person can post bond or be placed on a monitoring device, then demand immediate payment and personal information.
Officials say the scam has been reported across Charles County, St. Mary’s County, and Calvert County, impacting communities throughout the Southern Maryland region, including areas near Waldorf and Lexington Park.
Authorities warn that these calls may appear legitimate, sometimes displaying real law enforcement phone numbers through caller ID spoofing. Victims are often pressured to act quickly and instructed to send money using gift cards, cryptocurrency, or payment apps like Cash App, Venmo, or Zelle.
According to law enforcement, these requests are fraudulent. Police emphasize they will never call individuals to demand payment for someone’s release from jail. All legitimate payments are handled through official court systems.
Residents are urged to hang up immediately if they receive such a call, avoid sending money or sharing personal information, and contact their loved one directly to verify their status. Officials also recommend calling a trusted, verified number for the detention center or court if concerns remain.
Anyone who receives a suspicious call is encouraged to report it to their local sheriff’s office. In Charles County, residents can call 301-932-2222. Emergencies should be reported by dialing 911.
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