The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office, along with the Calvert and Charles County Sheriff’s Offices, warned residents on April 24 about a phone scam in which callers impersonate law enforcement officers and claim they can help secure the release of a loved one from jail.
Officials say this scam targets families by telling them that someone they know has been arrested and offering to arrange home detention or post bond for a fee. The scammers demand payment and personal information under false pretenses. Authorities emphasize that these claims are fraudulent and that law enforcement agencies do not contact individuals to request payment for releasing someone from custody; legitimate payments are handled only through the court system.
Scammers may use tactics such as spoofing official phone numbers, using authoritative titles, and creating urgency to pressure victims into quick action. Residents are urged not to send money or provide personal information if contacted by such callers. Instead, officials recommend hanging up immediately, attempting to contact the individual in question directly, and verifying any claims by calling detention centers or courts using publicly listed numbers.
Anyone who receives suspicious calls is encouraged to report incidents to their local sheriff’s office. In St. Mary’s County, tips can be submitted anonymously via text message starting with “SMCSO” at 847411, online at www.FirstSheriff.com/tips, or through the SMCSO mobile app. Similar reporting options exist for Calvert and Charles counties.
The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office enhances community life by emphasizing problem-solving and dedication to residents according to its official website. It utilizes modern facilities including its headquarters and detention center as noted on its website, while safeguarding the community with values of integrity, respect, and dedication per its official site. The office stands as the oldest continuously operating sheriff’s office in the nation according to its website and extends services across all of St. Mary’s County as described online. Partnerships with public schools, faith-based organizations, and community groups support safety initiatives throughout the county according to its website. The agency offers comprehensive services including patrol duties, corrections operations, emergency response efforts—and collaborates locally—to enhance public safety according to its official site.
Authorities encourage vigilance against scams like these as part of ongoing efforts by local law enforcement agencies—some of which have served their communities for centuries—to protect residents.
