Vendors Beware: Scam Targeting Wine In The Woods Event In Howard County Discovered

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — After a brief break due to the coronavirus pandemic, Wine in the Woods will return to Howard County May 21. However, the event has become the target of a scam, officials warn.

“We’re very excited,” Howard County Recreation and Parks spokesperson Anna Hunter told WMAR. “This year we’re welcoming beer vendors, so there’s even more to enjoy.”

Parties unaffiliated with Wine in the Woods are posting on vendor pages and direct messaging individuals online asking for money in exchange for a spot as a vendor, Hunter said.

“Someone emailed us alerting the department that someone was targeting vendors,” Hunter said.

Hunter said the first warning sign is that the scammer is using a Gmail account whereas any and all messages would come from an official recreation and parks official email address. The county also isn't looking for new vendors.

“We’re full,” Hunter said. “The application deadline was in January and vendors who were vetted and picked have already been alerted.”

Tickets for Wine in the Woods, which runs May 21-22, are still available and can be purchased here.