Scammers Pretend to Be County Deputies, Steal Over Twelve Thousand
Prince George's County officials warned residents on November 25 that callers and texters posing as sheriff's deputies had swindled more than twelve thousand dollars from local residents in the previous week. The warnings matter because the impersonation scheme uses urgent threats and payment demands that can quickly drain household finances, and they underscore a need for stronger public education and institutional response.
County officials issued a public alert on November 25 after a spate of impersonation scams in which callers or text messages claimed to be Prince George's County sheriff's deputies and demanded immediate payment or personal and financial information to avoid arrest or fines. According to local reporting, the scam network succeeded in taking more than twelve thousand dollars from residents over the course of the prior week. The form of the scheme included urgent threats, requests for payment by gift cards, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency, and pressure for instant compliance.
The sheriff's office and county authorities urged residents not to provide personal information or payment by phone and to verify any law enforcement contact by calling official non emergency numbers. Local guidance for reporting suspected fraud was highlighted in coverage, along with a reminder about common red flags that should prompt caution. The county has encouraged victims and witnesses to use official reporting channels so law enforcement can document incidents and offer follow up assistance.
This wave of scams carries immediate financial consequences for victims, and broader implications for community trust and civic engagement. When criminals successfully impersonate local officials, residents may become less willing to interact with legitimate law enforcement or municipal services, which can chill reporting of crimes and participation in public processes. For communities with limited access to timely information, the risk of harm is magnified.
The events also point to institutional responsibilities. County government and the sheriff's office face a policy task to expand outreach and ensure clear, repeated messaging about verification procedures and reporting options. There is a role for coordination with state and federal partners plus private sector entities to limit scam reach through improved call verification and faster financial controls. Tracking incidents and publishing timely data will help tailor outreach to neighborhoods most affected.
For residents the practical steps remain straightforward. Do not give personal or financial information over the phone. Do not comply with requests for gift cards or cryptocurrency. Verify any claim of law enforcement by calling official non emergency numbers found on county websites, and report attempted or successful fraud through the county reporting channels so authorities can investigate and support victims.
