2 Scams Swindle $131K From Prince George's Residents

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, MD — Several residents have reported two scams circulating across the county.

The financial crimes unit of the Prince George's County Police Department stated that suspects are making direct personal contact with the victims as part of the scam.

The first scam involves suspects posing as Pepco utility workers. The scammers go to a victim’s home, often elderly victims, claiming an alarm was triggered indicating potential fire hazards in the home. Once inside the victim’s home, the suspect convinces the victim there is a serious electrical issue requiring immediate attention. The victim is asked to write a check for the needed repairs. The suspect then cashes the check without performing any actual work, according to the police department.

The PGPD received one report of this scam happening in 2025 with a loss of $18,500 to the victim. So far in 2026, the police department has received three reports. In one of the cases, the scammer was successful and stole $8,300 from the victim. The other two attempts were unsuccessful, the police department stated.

"If you did not arrange an appointment with Pepco for repairs, do not let anyone into your home who is implying they are a utility worker. Call the company directly to verify the person’s employment and the work being done," the police department stated.

The financial crimes unit of the PGPD also has received reports of what's referred to as carrier scams. In these cases, suspects initiate contact with victims via email, text or a phone call, often impersonating federal agents or government officials. The suspects convince victims that their bank accounts have been compromised and their money needs to be secured immediately.

Victims are instructed to withdraw large amounts of cash and hand it over to a carrier who comes in person to collect the money for safekeeping. In other such cases, victims also have been instructed to deposit the cash in cryptocurrency ATMs, the police department stated.

"If you receive this type of communication, never click a link and don’t respond. Within the last four weeks, we’ve received three carrier scam reports. Combined, the victims lost more than $105,000," the PGPD said.

"The PGPD reminds all residents to never give money, gold, gift cards or anything else of value to someone you do not know, even if they are posing as representatives from legitimate businesses, banking institutions or government agencies. If you are worried about your bank account, contact your bank directly using the number on the back of your bank card," the police department continued.

Anyone who believes they've been the victim of any scam is asked to call PGPD detectives at 301-516-1464.