BALTIMORE, MD—Authorities are warning the public about a recent telephone scam in which the caller cloned, or “spoofed,” a Maryland State Police telephone number in an attempt to make the victim into believe they were the target of a criminal investigation.

A complainant told Maryland State Police on Wednesday that she had received a call in which her caller ID showed “State Police” and the number 410-386-3000, which an actual Maryland State Police phone number.

When the woman answered, the caller told her that a criminal complaint had been filed against her. The victim asked for the caller’s badge number, prompting the caller to hang up. Officials say this is just one of several phone “spoofing” scams reported to Maryland State Police in recent months.

The scammers typically use scare tactics and sophisticated technology to attempt to take advantage of the public.

Anyone who receives such a phone is advised to hang up and then contact their local state police barrack. Callers may remain anonymous.