Hostage Phone Scam Reaches Anne Arundel County

Anne Arundel County police announced a phone scam has arisen throughout the county, where callers claim to be holding a family member at gunpoint until a money transfer is made.

Several incidents have occurred in the county in the past week, and the police department warned businesses and residents, sharing tips to prevent falling victim to the scheme.

All of the reported incidents were similar in nature, and usually the caller claims a relative has been involved in a car crash, or they claim to be holding the relative at gunpoint, and demand a money transfer.

"We urge our citizens to contact the police department immediately and report as much information as possible," said Chief of Police Larry Tolliver, in a press release. "This can be a very traumatic experience for victims as the suspects prey on their vulnerability by pressuring them to provide money or even indicating that loved ones have been harmed."

A number of people have fallen victim to the scheme nationally, according to a police department press release. Police said the calls frequently come from a "301" area code, and specifically warned people about the phone number 301-653-5495.

Police offered these tips to people who encounter such phone calls:

• Remain calm and use another phone to check on the well-being of your family member
• Call police immediately and report the incident–provide as much information as possible
• Record the telephone number of the caller
• Remember that callers demanding money to be wired is a major red flag