Howard County Police Warn of Phone Scammers Impersonating Officers

Howard County police have issued a warning regarding a new phone scam where individuals are impersonating police officers to deceive residents.

According to police officials, there have been reports of scammers contacting people and claiming that they owe fines or have outstanding warrants. To resolve these issues, the callers request payment in the form of gift cards.

Fortunately, no residents have fallen victim to this scam so far. Many who have received these calls have taken the precaution of contacting the police department to verify the legitimacy of the claims made by the scammers.

Police emphasize the importance of verifying any suspicious calls with a trusted source, such as the police department itself. They also recommend that individuals avoid sending money, cryptocurrency, or gift cards to anyone they do not know, especially if they feel pressured to act quickly.

Impersonation scams are not new to the area, with similar tactics being used by scammers posing as representatives from BGE and the IRS. Residents are encouraged to be vigilant and trust their instincts when encountering potential scams.

In a related incident, a local resident, Darryl Barber, shared his experience with a similar scam that targeted his family. A scammer falsely claimed that Barber's nephew had been arrested for stealing a car, requesting $600 for bail. Barber and his mother nearly fell for the scheme but confirmed with family members that it was untrue.

Barber now approaches every phone call with caution, screening calls from unfamiliar numbers. He advises others to do the same to avoid becoming victims of such scams.

To report any impersonation scams, residents can contact the Howard County police at 410-313-2200 or submit a report online. The police department and the Howard County Office of Consumer Protection provide additional resources and information on how to avoid falling prey to scams.

Reported by HarborBeat based on CBS News (source).