Scammers spoofing Anne Arundel police numbers in phone extortion scheme
ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY, MD — Residents are being warned of a growing phone scam where callers impersonate local police officers and government officials, threatening victims with legal trouble unless immediate payment is made.
The Anne Arundel County Police Department said it has received multiple reports of scammers spoofing official department phone numbers — including lines linked to district stations and police communications — in an attempt to extort money.
The callers often pose as actual officers from the department and use aggressive tactics, including threats of immediate arrest, to pressure victims into paying through untraceable methods like gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency.
“These scammers are deliberately creating panic,” police warned in a public advisory posted Thursday. “They’re using names of real officers and demanding secrecy to prevent victims from seeking help.”
Residents who receive such calls are advised not to panic or comply, and to immediately hang up and report the incident. Police have shared key red flags to watch for, including urgent payment demands, attempts to keep you on the line, and instructions not to speak to anyone else.
Anyone who has experienced a similar scam is urged to contact Anne Arundel County Police detectives at 410-222-4736.
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Key Points
- Scammers are spoofing Anne Arundel County Police numbers in phone extortion attempts
- Callers impersonate real officers and demand payment with threats of arrest
- Police urge anyone targeted to report the incident and avoid sharing personal information
