News Releases

Police Department Warns Residents of Telephone Scammers Using Real MCP Officers' Names and Demanding Payment for Fines

For Immediate Release: Saturday, October 3, 2020

The Montgomery County Department of Police is warning the public about a telephone scam where the caller poses as a Montgomery County Police Officer and states that the resident needs to pay a fine for a missed court appearance.

Several residents have reported that they have received unsolicited phone calls/messages about an outstanding fine from a person who states that he is a Montgomery County Police (MCP) Officer and provides the name of a current MCP officer.  During the call, the scammer provides the person with accurate information about where the (real) officer works and states that he/she can call the particular police district station to verify the scammer’s identity.  The scammer attempts to convince the person to pay the fine by sending money via wire transfer or other fund transfer (ie: pre-paid cards, internet transaction).

The Police Department wants to remind the community that police department personnel will never call residents to solicit funds or collect fines.

If you receive this type of call and the caller identifies himself/herself as a MCP officer, hang up and verify the claim by calling the Montgomery County Police non-emergency number at 301-279-8000.

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Release ID: 20-380
Media Contact: Rebecca Innocenti 
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