CALVERT COUNTY, Md. – The Calvert County Sheriff’s Office, Charles County Sheriff’s Office, and St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office are warning residents about a phone scam targeting community members across the region.
Scammers are calling and pretending to be law enforcement, claiming a loved one has been arrested. They may offer to arrange home detention or say they can post bond and place the person on a monitoring device. They then demand payment and ask for personal information.
This is a scam.
Know the signs:
• Requests for money to secure someone’s release
• Payment demands through gift cards, cryptocurrency, or apps like Cash App, Venmo, or Zelle
• Pressure to act immediately
• Calls that appear to come from a real law enforcement number (caller ID spoofing)
Remember: Law enforcement will NEVER call to request payment for someone’s release. All legitimate payments are handled through the court system.
What to do:
• Hang up immediately
• Do not send money or share personal information
• Contact your loved one directly
• Verify through the detention center or court using a trusted number
If you receive a suspicious call, contact your local sheriff’s office. In Calvert County, call 410-535-2800.
To submit a tip anonymously, download our Sheriff’s Office App at https://apps.myocv.com/share/a39520678 or email CCSOtips@calvertcountymd.gov. For emergencies, call 911