Maryland has recently experienced a surge in various scams targeting residents, businesses, and government entities. These fraudulent activities range from sophisticated cyber schemes to traditional impersonation cons.
Awareness and vigilance are crucial in protecting oneself and the community. Here are five prevalent scams currently affecting Marylanders:
- Government Impersonation Scams
Scammers pose as officials from government agencies, such as the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) or Social Security Administration (SSA), to deceive individuals into providing personal information or making payments. They may threaten arrest, fines, or deportation to instill fear and prompt immediate action. These fraudsters often use caller ID spoofing to appear legitimate.
Protective Measures:
- Verify the identity of the caller by contacting the agency directly using official contact information.
- Be skeptical of unsolicited calls demanding immediate payment or personal information.
- Remember that government agencies typically communicate through official letters, not aggressive phone calls.
- Verify the identity of the caller by contacting the agency directly using official contact information.
- Cryptocurrency Investment Scams
There has been a significant increase in cryptocurrency investment scams in Maryland. From January to August 2024, Marylanders reported losses totaling nearly $54.5 million due to fraudulent cryptocurrency schemes. Scammers lure victims with promises of high returns on cryptocurrency investments, only to disappear with the funds.
Preventive Actions:
- Be cautious of unsolicited investment opportunities, especially those promising high returns with little risk.
- Conduct thorough research on investment platforms and consult with licensed financial advisors before investing.
- Avoid sharing personal or financial information with unverified or suspicious contacts.
- Be cautious of unsolicited investment opportunities, especially those promising high returns with little risk.
- Email and Phishing Scams
Maryland State Police have warned residents about internet scams involving Gmail accounts. Scammers send emails containing photographs of the recipient’s residence from Google Maps, demanding payments via Bitcoin under threat. These tactics aim to intimidate individuals into complying with fraudulent demands. citeturn0search3
Safety Tips:
- Do not respond to unsolicited emails requesting personal information or payments.
- Verify the legitimacy of the sender before clicking on links or downloading attachments.
- Report suspicious emails to the appropriate authorities or email service providers.
- Do not respond to unsolicited emails requesting personal information or payments.
- Jury Duty and Law Enforcement Impersonation Scams
Scammers impersonate law enforcement officials or court representatives, claiming that the victim has missed jury duty and must pay a fine to avoid arrest. They may demand immediate payment through unconventional methods, such as prepaid cards or wire transfers.
How to Avoid:
- Be aware that legitimate law enforcement agencies do not solicit payments over the phone.
- Verify any claims by contacting the appropriate court or law enforcement agency directly.
- Do not provide personal or financial information to unsolicited callers.
- Be aware that legitimate law enforcement agencies do not solicit payments over the phone.
- Lottery and Prize Scams
Scammers notify individuals that they have won a lottery or prize but require upfront fees or personal information to claim the winnings. For example, a Maryland resident received a fraudulent notification about winning a $450,000 prize, which turned out to be a scam designed to steal personal information and money.
Recommendations:
- Be skeptical of unsolicited notifications about winnings, especially if you did not enter any contests.
- Do not pay upfront fees or provide personal information to claim a prize.
- Verify the legitimacy of the prize notification by contacting the organization directly using official contact information.
- Be skeptical of unsolicited notifications about winnings, especially if you did not enter any contests.
In conclusion, the rise in scam activities across Maryland underscores the importance of vigilance and proactive measures. Residents must stay informed about prevalent scams and adopt recommended practices to safeguard against financial losses. By fostering a community aware of these threats, Marylanders can better protect themselves and their neighbors from falling victim to fraudulent schemes.
