Police Warn of Surge in Phone Scams

An ongoing scam – a phone call claiming a relative or friend has been jailed or injured and needs money – has resurfaced in the past week, say Montgomery County Police.

Detectives from the department’s Financial Crimes Section are reminding residents of a telephone scam that has been reported throughout the county since February. Within the last week, the department has seen a surge in the reports about these types of fraud calls.

The scammers do not appear to be targeting a particular geographical area of the county or one group. They are simply dialing a number and hoping that someone will answer the phone and believe their story, police say.

During these telephone calls, the scammer tells the intended victim that a family member or friend is in trouble or needs help. Scammers describe a variety of emergency situations, including a loved one who is in jail, has been in an accident, has been kidnapped, or has been physically hurt. The suspect often says that the event has occurred in another area and that the loved one is unable to talk.

To help the family member or friend, the victim is told to send money via wire transfer or other fund transfer such as pre-paid cards or an internet transaction.

In previous cases, detectives have determined that these calls came from outside the country. In current cases, these calls have originated from within the country. Telephone scammers often use a technique called “spoofing” to manipulate and provide a fictitious number to a caller ID display.

Here’s what police say to do if you receive a telephone call you believe is a scam:

Do not provide information over the phone. Scammers often ask leading questions to retrieve information from you. Often, you do not realize that you are giving them valuable information.

Scammers create a sense of urgency. Slow down and ask the caller for detailed information and a contact number. Tell the caller you will call them back. Then, attempt to verify the caller’s story by calling family and friends.

Remember that scammers often use a technique called “spoofing,” which provides a fake number to a caller ID display.

Do not send money.

Most importantly, contact police immediately if you believe you are a victim of a telephone scam.