Spam Phone Calls Target Bowie Residents

The Bowie Police Department has received numerous reports from residents who have been targeted by scam phone calls.

These scammers are impersonating local or federal officials, including Bowie Police Chief Preston, using fake or spoofed numbers, the police department stated. They often claim the person has an active arrest warrant, missed jury duty or face other legal issue. They then demand payment through gift cards, cash apps or Bitcoin.

The Bowie Police Department recommended resident take the following safety tips:

• Hang up immediately. The police will never call residents to demand money, threaten arrest or request personal details over the phone.
• Do not pay. Avoid using gift cards, prepaid cards or cryptocurrencies to settle fines.
• Verify independently. If you do receive a suspicious call, don't use the number provided. Hang up and contact the Bowie Police Department, or whatever agency they claim to represent.
• Report. Call the Bowie Police Department's non-emergency line at 240-544-5700 or file a police report online at cityofbowie.org and click on police department.