How to Avoid Common Scams

If a deal is too good to be true it might be a scam!   The Prince George’s County Police Department has some tips to help you recognize common scams and avoid becoming a victim:

• Scams can occur by phone calls, email, texts, and even door-to-door visits.  They all share the same red flags:  pressure to act immediately; unusual payment methods like gift cards, crypto currency, a cashier's check or money order; or attempts to get you to provide personal credit card or bank information.
• Your Bank will NEVER call and ask for personal information.  If there is issue with your bank account you should call your bank or visit your bank's website.   Better yet, you visit the branch in person and talk to an employee.
• The most common scams include FAKE Charities and FAKE Jobs; FAKE Apartment or timeshare Rentals requiring half down; FAKE Romance Scams – “I love you and need five thousand dollars so we can be together”.  Others include notifying a victim there is an issue with their computer or a certain account which needs fixing.
• NEVER meet anyone alone to exchange goods for cash or NEVER have a stranger come to your home.  It’s dangerous, and even worse could lead to a robbery.
• Prince George’s County Police Department will NEVER call you and demand money for delinquent tickets, warrants or other violations.

If you have fallen victim to a scam, visit the Financial Crimes Section homepage for additional information, or email PGPD_FinancialCrimes@pgcmd.gov.

Anonymous tips can be made by contacting Crime Solvers.