The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s
Office is advising the public to be alert for a phone scam where the caller is
posing as a sergeant with the Sheriff’s Office, and advising the targeted
individuals they failed to report for jury duty, and now have active warrants
for their arrest. The caller then advises the failure to appear warrant was
issued by a judge, or the State’s Attorney for St. Mary’s County, and the individual
must pay a fee to have the warrant withdrawn. The caller instructs the victim
to obtain MoneyPaks from a local store; MoneyPaks are used to transfer funds to
a prepaid card or a debit card. Once the individual has obtained the MoneyPaks
they are instructed to contact a fraudulent bond company to pay the predetermined
fee and have the warrant recalled. For
the added appearance of legitimacy, the caller provides a number with a local
area code, and a three digit prefix of numbers used locally, for the individual
to contact. The number provided has an automated directory identifying as the
St. Mary’s County Court Services Division.
The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office wants to assure our citizens no
legitimate law enforcement officer will call private citizens asking for
MoneyPaks/money. The Sheriff’s Office
also wants to remind citizens to never give out personal information to callers
they do not know.
If you have been a victim of this
jury duty scam, other phone scam, or have any information regarding these
incidents, contact the Sheriff’s Office at (301) 475-8008. Citizens may remain
anonymous and contact Crime Solvers at (301) 475-3333, or text a tip to
“TIP239” plus their message to “CRIMES” (274637). Through the Crime Solvers Program tipsters
are eligible for an award of up to $1,000 for information about a crime in St.
Mary’s County that leads to an arrest or indictment.
