Arrest Warrant Scam Uses State Police Barrack Phone Number

PERRYVILLE, MD — Maryland State Police at the JFK Highway Barrack are warning area residents about a scam in which the caller uses the barrack phone number and tells people they are wanted on a warrant, but could avoid arrest if they pay the scammer money or gift cards.

Late Wednesday afternoon and into the evening, troopers at the JFK Highway Barrack in Cecil County had received more than 15 calls from people in Maryland and out of state, who said they had just received a call from the barrack phone number, according to a news relase. Those targeted told police the caller identified himself as a law enforcement officer with a warrant for the victim's arrest.

The scammer told victims if they provided money and/or gift card information they could avoid arrest.

No member of any law enforcement agency would call and offer a chance to avoid arrest in exchange for money or gift cards, state police said.

This continues to be a common fraud scheme used in Maryland and throughout the country, the agency said.

Anyone who receives such calls should hang up immediately and report the call to their nearest police department, state police said.