Scam Alert: Callers Spoof Police, Claim Charges Filed Against You

ANNAPOLIS, MD — Scammers are impersonating troopers, the Maryland State Police says. These callers are telling recipients that charges are filed against them, according to an incident report.

The state police notified Marylanders of the scam on Wednesday. Hours earlier, a woman told police that fraudsters reached out to her. The woman's caller ID read "State Police" and displayed a call from (410) 386-3000, which is the actual phone number of the Westminster barrack.

The scammers told the woman that criminal complaints were filed against her, according to the report. The woman says she requested the impersonator's badge number, and they quickly hung up.

Police added that they have heard of several other spoofing scams over the last several months.

"These scammers are using scare tactics and sophisticated technology to attempt to take advantage of the public," state police said in a press release. "The Maryland State Police would NEVER solicit personal information from any citizen over the phone."

Troopers ask anybody who receives these calls to hang up and call their local barrack. A full listing of barracks is available here. Tipsters may remain anonymous if they prefer.

Have a story idea? Please contact me at jacob.baumgart@patch.com with any pitches, tips or questions. Follow me on Twitter @JacobBaumgart and on Facebook @JacobBaumgartJournalist to stay up-to-date with the latest Anne Arundel County and Prince George's County news.