The Takoma Park Police Department has shared that it has received multiple reports from concerned residents about a scam involving individuals impersonating police officers.
According to police, “The scammers are falsely claiming to represent the Takoma Park Police Department and using the department’s actual phone number in an attempt to deceive residents.
Earlier today, we were alerted by a resident who reported receiving a call from a person falsely identifying themselves as a Takoma Park Police officer. The scammer claimed that there was a warrant out for his arrest due to drugs allegedly found in a vehicle registered to him in Texas. Several inconsistencies in the scammer’s story raised red flags, leading the resident to contact us. Fortunately, he did not provide any personal information.
The Takoma Park Police Department reminds the community that we will never call residents to demand payment or threaten arrest over the phone. If you receive a similar call, do not provide any personal information. Instead, hang up immediately and report the incident to us.
How to Protect Yourself from Scams:
- Do not provide personal information: Never share sensitive information such as your Social Security number, bank details, or credit card numbers over the phone.
- Verify the caller: If you receive a suspicious call, hang up and call the Takoma Park Police Department directly at 301-270-1100 to verify the legitimacy of the call.
- Look for red flags: Scammers often use high-pressure tactics, such as threats of arrest or demands for immediate payment, to create urgency.
We encourage residents to stay vigilant and report any suspicious calls to the Takoma Park Police Department at 301-270-1100.” Photo courtesy Google Maps.