The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office is alerting residents to a rise in scam calls where individuals impersonate law enforcement in an attempt to steal money. Sheriff Maxwell Uy emphasized that the Sheriff’s Office will never ask for money or financial information over the phone.
Officials say the scam typically begins with a caller claiming to be from a fictitious “section” of the Sheriff’s Office. The scammer tells the victim that they missed a court date, failed to respond to a summons, or skipped jury duty, and that a judge has issued a warrant for their arrest. The caller then pressures the victim to pay a “fine” immediately to avoid being taken into custody.
Victims are often instructed to load money onto a prepaid card and provide the numbers over the phone. The Sheriff’s Office stresses that no legitimate law enforcement agency would ever operate in this manner. “Paying a so-called ‘fine’ will not clear up a warrant,” Sheriff Uy said. “These are scams designed to create fear and steal your money.”
Residents are urged not to fall for the scheme. Anyone with questions should contact the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office directly. If you have already provided money to one of these scammers, you are asked to call the Montgomery County Police at 301-279-8000.
