Montgomery County Office of Consumer Protection Investigation Leads to Arrest in International Phishing Scam

For Immediate Release: Wednesday, May 7, 2025

The Montgomery County Office of Consumer Protection (OCP) recently worked with Canadian law enforcement officials to investigate a phishing scam that resulted in a Rockville resident losing more than $400,000 and is warning residents to be on alert for similar scams. OCP received a report of an incident in which scammers created a convincing story to gain the victim's trust and the victim was tricked into sending multiple checks to businesses based in Canada.

OCP tracked the flow of money into Canadian bank accounts, and investigators worked with the banks to shut down the fraudulent accounts. The Peel Regional Police in Ontario arrested a suspect in March, and the investigation continues.

“This case is a reminder that phishing scams are growing in sophistication and reach, often impacting our most vulnerable residents,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “I appreciate the diligence of the Office of Consumer Protection to respond to these threats, protect residents and raise awareness about how to avoid fraud.” 

Phishing is a type of scam in which criminals pretend to be trusted organizations in emails, texts or phone calls. The goal is to trick people into sending money or sharing personal or financial information, and the messages can often feel urgent or threatening to push people into acting quickly.

 

 

How to Avoid a Phishing Scam

• Do not respond to texts, calls or emails from unknown sources, especially if they create urgency or demand personal information.
• Be careful when reading email and text messages, especially when clicking on links. Some messages might look real, but they are made to steal your personal information or money.
• Never provide personal information via email or text. Legitimate companies will not ask for Social Security numbers, bank details or passwords this way.

Protecting Loved Ones

Anyone can be targeted by a phishing scam. Sharing your knowledge can help protect you and your family. OCP recommends these simple tips:

• Talk regularly with family members about scams so they know what to look out for.
• Use call blockers and email filters to limit exposure to scam messages.
• Encourage family members to review bank statements regularly and set up alerts for unauthorized transactions.
• Remind them it’s okay to hang up or delete a message if something feels suspicious.

“Our office is committed to empowering all consumers, especially those most at risk, with the tools and information they need to stay safe,” said OCP investigator Lorena Bailey. “With awareness and vigilance, we can all take steps to stop scammers in their tracks.”

The Office of Consumer Protection is located at 100 Maryland Ave., Suite 3600, in Rockville. Walk-in hours are from 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday-Friday. For more information or to file a consumer complaint, call 240-777-3636 or visit the OCP website.

Stay connected with OCP on X, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and the Consumer Connection podcast.

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Media Contact: Brittany Clingerman, 240-777-3732

Release ID: 25-198
Media Contact: Brittany Clingerman 240-777-3732
Categories: Consumer