Scammers posing as DC police in video calls to accuse victims of drug crimes
WASHINGTON, DC – Scammers are posing as uniformed officers from the Metropolitan Police Department and using video calls to falsely accuse residents of drug crimes in an elaborate phone scam that spoofs official MPD numbers.
The Metropolitan Police Department issued the warning Friday after multiple reports of individuals receiving fraudulent video calls from someone dressed in a police uniform and sitting in front of a fake MPD backdrop. During the call, the impersonator tells victims they’ve been linked to illegal drug purchases and attempts to extract personal or financial information.
In several cases, the scammers have spoofed the Second District police station’s phone number, (202) 715-7300. However, MPD warns that criminals frequently manipulate various government and law enforcement phone numbers to appear authentic on caller ID.
MPD emphasized that it will never demand payment, personal information, or bank details via phone, video call, email, or letter. The department also noted that scammers may already possess limited public information about potential targets, such as names or addresses, which they use to appear more convincing.
Victims are advised not to engage or provide any information and to report incidents directly to the Financial and Cyber Crimes Unit at (202) 727-4159 or by email at mpd.fraud-unit@dc.gov.
The department urges the public to remain vigilant and to inform friends and family of this scam to prevent further victimization across the District.
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Key Points
- Scammers are spoofing MPD phone numbers and impersonating officers in video calls
- Victims are falsely accused of drug crimes in attempt to obtain personal information
- MPD confirms it will never request payment or sensitive data by phone or video