ANNAPOLIS, Md. (WMAR) — If you recently received a phone call from a suspicious number and someone claiming to be police, demanding that you pay money to avoid being arrested on a warrant, it's a scam.
The Anne Arundel County Sheriff's Office says they received reports on Wednesday from citizens concerned about a man calling them from the phone number (443)-333-5025, identifying himself as Deputy Chad Jones.
Upon getting an answer, Jones tells the person he is with the Sheriff's Office, and that they must buy and send a prepaid money card such as a Green Dot money Pak, or risk being arrested on a warrant.
According to the Sheriff's Office, the caller has no association with the agency, and the whole thing is a scam. They say similar calls were reported two years ago from individuals falsely claiming to be a Lieutenant Greg Allen and Sergeant Jackson.
To protect yourself, officials say anyone receiving such a call should not provide any personal information or arrange for any payments to be made. Government agencies, utility companies and other reputable organizations will never call, demanding payment to settle any legal issues, especially in the form of a prepaid card or money order, says the Sheriff's Office.
While the Sheriff's Office does serve warrants, they don't accept or collect payments in exchange for getting out of an arrest.
Anyone trying to confirm an outstanding warrant or summons can visit Maryland Judiciary Case Search, or simply call the Sheriff's Office at (410)-222-1490.
