Scam Caller Demands Money to Avoid Arrest

ROCKVILLE, MD — Montgomery County residents are being targeted by a phone scam that claims the caller is a law enforcement officer who will arrest the resident if they don't pay up.

In the most recent round of calls received, a suspect is using several false names to demand electronic payment or loaded pre-paid credit cards. The first subject is using the name of "Sgt. Jackson" and he has been calling from the phone number 301-310-1203, Montgomery County Police say. The second subject is using the name of "Sgt. James Wheeler" and he has been calling from 240-979-6686.

Police warn residents not to call the numbers. "Wheeler" has been asking victims to call him back at 1-855-286-6662, which is another numbers residents should not call.

The caller has also been "spoofing" the Montgomery County Circuit Court phone number (240-777-9400), authorities say. Spoofing allows a caller to make an incoming call appear to be originating from a different phone number.

Law enforcement agencies will never ask you for money, pre-paid cards or financial information over the phone.

If you believe that you have received a scam call, contact Deputy Johnson at (240) 777-7041. If you have lost money to these scammers, contact the Montgomery County Police at (301) 279-8000.