EDGEWATER, Md. — Authorities in Anne Arundel County are investigating a fraud incident in which a caller impersonated a police officer and convinced a victim to send money under the pretense of missing jury duty.
According to the Southern District Police, the scam unfolded on Tuesday afternoon when the victim received a call from a person claiming to be from the Anne Arundel County Police Department. The caller told the victim she had failed to appear for jury duty and would be jailed unless she paid a fine.
When the victim grew suspicious, the caller transferred her to another individual who falsely claimed to be another department member. This individual told the victim she could resolve the matter by speaking to a judge the following day but instructed her to send money through her banking institution in the meantime.
The victim complied, sending an undisclosed amount of money to the scammers before realizing she had been deceived. Police are urging anyone with information about the incident or similar scams to contact the Southern District Detective Unit at 410-222-1965.
Authorities remind residents that no legitimate government agency, law enforcement organization, or court system will demand payment over the phone, particularly through wire transfers, electronic payments, or gift cards.
“Hang up immediately if you receive such a call,” police advised in a statement. “Contact someone you trust or your local law enforcement to verify the claim.”