OCEAN CITY POLICE WARN OF A PHONE SCAM WITH INDIVIDUALS IMPERSONATING AN OFFICER

Ocean City, MD- The Ocean City Police Department is reaching out to the community to help prevent a recent phone scam in our area. In this scam, the caller impersonates a law enforcement officer.

Some callers have reported receiving suspicious phone calls and voicemails from a local law enforcement officer informing them that they must contact the "officer/deputy" regarding time-sensitive legal matters. If the scammer can connect immediately with the caller, they tell them they own a certain amount of money for a legal matter (missing court, jury duty, a warrant, etc.). They then request that gift cards, wire transfers, or mobile payment apps be used to pay the amount.

It's important to remember that law enforcement will NEVER call and demand payment for legal matters or other reasons. Legitimate agencies do not ask for payment via gift cards, wire transfers, or mobile payment apps. Knowing this can help you identify and avoid such scams.

If you receive a suspicious call, remember, it's crucial not to give out personal or payment information over the phone. If you receive a call like this, hang up immediately. If you believe you have been a victim of a scam like this, please contact the Ocean City Police Department at 410-723-6610 or your local law enforcement agency to file a police report.

If you would like to learn more about phone scams, please visit https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/phone-scams.

Source: Ocean City Police Department Press Release