Dangerous Scam Targeting our Community

The Allegany County Combined Criminal Investigations Unit (C31) urges all residents to be on high alert for a dangerous new scam targeting our community. Investigators have received several reports of criminals contacting citizens by phone, email, and social media to demand money. These scammers use intimidation to frighten people. They threaten to harm victims’ family members or to leak sensitive, embarrassing, or personal information online if payment is not made. To obtain the money, these scammers tell victims to package large amounts of cash and either drop it off at designated local businesses or mail it out of state via the U.S. Postal Service. These criminals are highly organized. They spoof caller IDs to appear legitimate, steal personal details from social media to make their threats seem real, and use high-pressure tactics to cause panic. They often try to keep victims on the phone the entire time so they cannot call a friend or a police officer to double-check the story. C31 is asking the public to follow these essential safety steps:

• Do Not Send or Hand Over Money: Never wire money, mail cash, buy gift cards, or drop off packages of cash to people you do not know.
• Do Not Meet Up: Agreeing to meet these scammers in person to hand over money is extremely dangerous and puts you, your family, and bystanders at serious risk of physical harm.
• Check on Your Family: If you get a call claiming your loved one is in danger or being held hostage, hang up immediately. Call that family member directly, or reach out to another relative to make sure they are safe before you do anything else.
• Call the Police Right Away: If someone contacts you making threats and demanding money, stop talking to them and call the police immediately.

Scammers rely on you panicking so you will do exactly what they say. If you receive a message or call that feels threatening or unusual, take a breath, do not give in to their demands, and call local authorities for help.

If you have been contacted by these scammers or have any information about these incidents, please call the Allegany County Combined Criminal Investigations Unit at (301) 777-0326 or reach out to your local police department. You can also share information anonymously through the Crime Solvers tip line at (877) 722-4307 or online at https://www.allegany-mineralcountycrimesolvers.com/tipl.