Phone Scam Targeting Prince George's Residents

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, MD — A new scam has emerged in Prince George's County that pressures victims into paying for outstanding warrants that aren't real.

Victims have reported to the Prince George's County Sheriff's Office that callers have been contacting them, saying the victims have outstanding warrants for failing to appear in court. They're told to remain on the phone while the issue is resolved, the sheriff's office stated.

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While waiting on the phone, victims are pressured into making immediate payments to cover their non-existent court costs or fines, but only with gift cards or Bitcoin. The caller then threaten the victims with jail time or other legal consequences.

Prince George's County Sheriff John D.B. Carr said the sheriff's office would never:

• Call to demand payment to resolve a warrant or legal matter.
• Request personal or financial information over the phone.
• Direct anyone to purchase gift cards, send cryptocurrency, or meet in a parking lot to avoid arrest.

"Anyone who believes they have been targeted or victimized should promptly call the Prince George's County Police Department, notify their financial institution and consider placing a fraud alert or credit freeze with the major credit reporting agencies to help protect their identity," the sheriff's office stated.