Howard County Sheriff Impostor Demands Money: Police

HOWARD COUNTY, MD – Authorities are investigating a scam in which Howard County residents are threatened by someone claiming to be from the sheriff's office.

After contacting citizens by phone, the scammer says a warrant is out for their arrest for failing to appear for a grand jury subpoena, and their license will be suspended unless they pay a fine.

The victim is instructed to use a prepaid debit card to pay the fine.

County officials said they never contact citizens by phone to inform them of legal action against them; they never ask for payment over the phone; and they never negotiate payment in lieu of an arrest.

The Howard County Police Department is conducting a criminal investigation into the scam, which has been ongoing and involves someone posing as an employee of the Howard County Sheriff's Office. The sheriff's office is separate from the police department; its scope encompasses serving warrants and providing court security.

Avoid becoming a victim with these tips from Howard County police and consumer affairs personnel:

• Beware of unsolicited phone calls.
• Do not share personal or financial information over the phone.
• Know that you don't need to act immediately and shouldn't be scared/threatened into doing so.
• Do not wire money or send a prepaid debit card to a stranger.

Photo Credit: Flugkerl2 via Wikimedia Commons.