Anne Arundel County PD Warn of Spike in Phone Scams Impersonating Police Officers

The Anne Arundel County Police Department is warning residents about a rise in phone scams involving callers who pose as law enforcement officers or government officials in an effort to steal money and personal information. According to police, scammers are using caller ID spoofing technology to make their calls appear as if they are coming from official department phone numbers. In many cases, the callers are using the names of real officers and referencing personal information to make the calls seem legitimate, creating fear and urgency for the victim.

Investigators say victims are often told they have missed a court date, failed to pay a fine, or are facing immediate arrest. The scammers then demand payment to “resolve” the issue, typically requesting money through gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers — all methods that are difficult to trace and nearly impossible to recover.

Authorities stress that real law enforcement agencies will never demand payment or personal information over the phone. Residents who receive a suspicious call are urged to hang up immediately, remain calm, and verify any claims by contacting the agency directly using publicly listed phone numbers.

Anyone who believes they have been targeted or contacted by a scammer is encouraged to report the incident to Anne Arundel County Police by calling 410-222-4736. Detectives continue to investigate the scam activity and remind residents to stay alert, talk with family members about common scam tactics, and never share financial or personal information with unsolicited callers.