Scam Involves Caller Impersonating Aberdeen Police Officer

ABERDEEN, MD — A resident reported being the target of a phone scam with the caller impersonating a member of the Aberdeen Police Department.

The police department warned residents Tuesday that recent scams include individuals impersonating Microsoft representatives, banks, the Social Security Administration and government agencies like the local police department.

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"Scammers convince victims their money is in danger and pressure them to act immediately. They may use personal information, official-looking documents or even spoof legitimate telephone numbers to make calls appear to come from trusted organizations," the police department stated.

The police department noted that the Aberdeen resident targeted by a scammer questioned the person's story. Then the resident received a follow-up call from someone claiming to be an Aberdeen Police Department employee who attempted to convince the victim the scam was legitimate.

The Aberdeen Police Department recommended residents be aware of the following warning signs:

• You're told your computer, bank account or Social Security number has been compromised.
• You're instructed to withdraw cash, purchase gift cards or gold, or transfer money to a supposedly safe account.
• Someone offers to send a courier to your home to collect money or valuables.
• You're told to keep the transaction secret or lie to bank employees.
• You're threatened with arrest or pressured to act immediately.

"Stop. Hang up. Verify. Called ID can be spoofed. Even if a call displays the Aberdeen Police Department's name or telephone number, it does not mean the caller is actually an APD employee," the police department stated.

Legitimate government agencies, police departments and financial institutions will never ask a person to hand over cash, gift cards or gold for safekeeping.

"If you receive a suspicious call, hang up and contact the organization directly using its official, publicly listed telephone number. Never use a number provided by the caller, suspicious email or computer pop-up. Before withdrawing or transferring money, talk to someone you trust," the police department added.