NOTTINGHAM, MD—In recent weeks, there has been an increase in online scams related to COVID-19. These scams use phishing techniques in an attempt to steal personal information and money from victims. The Baltimore County Police Department is providing the following safety tips to help residents navigate COVID-19 information online safely. Never Click an Unfamiliar Link A common trick scammers use […]
BALTIMORE, MD—The federal government has begun making payments to individuals as authorized by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. These are more commonly known as stimulus payments and will either be made directly into Maryland residents’ bank accounts or via a check delivered by U.S. mail. Maryland Attorney General Brian Frosh warns that fraudsters are taking advantage […]
BALTIMORE, MD—Amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Maryland Attorney General Brian E. Frosh warned consumers on Tuesday to be wary of an anticipated surge in fraudulent investment schemes. “In these extraordinary times the health and welfare of all must be our foremost concern, and that includes our financial health” said Attorney General Frosh. “Scammers will begin perpetrating schemes that require little […]
BALTIMORE, MD—On March 27, the federal government passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), which aims to provide financial relief to individuals and businesses affected by the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic in the United States. Key provisions of the act include direct payments to some individuals, based on income (a “stimulus check”); extended unemployment benefits; small business […]
BALTIMORE, MD—U.S. Attorney Robert K. Hur and Special Agent in Charge Kelly R. Jackson of the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) on Friday warned taxpayers to be alert about possible scams relating to COVID-19, especially in connection with economic impact payments. The announcement is an effort to prevent taxpayers in need from being victimized by criminals using the […]
UPDATE: Comptroller Peter Franchot is also warning residents to be wary of stimulus scams. More in the tweet embedded below. Original story below… —— BALTIMORE, MD—Department of Public Works Acting Director Matthew W. Garbark on Monday advised Baltimore-area water customers to be aware of scams being done during the COVID-19 pandemic. DPW advises that scammers may call customers on the […]
ANNAPOLIS, MD—The Federal Trade Commission has reported that scammers are taking advantage of fears surrounding the coronavirus, including through the sale of counterfeit products and the solicitation of money and personal information. When charities request donations in response to the coronavirus, Marylanders may feel duty-bound to donate in an effort to help their neighbors. Maryland’s Secretary of State John C. […]
BALTIMORE, MD—Maryland U.S. Attorney Robert K. Hur joined Attorney General William P. Barr, FBI Director Christopher A. Wray, and Chief Postal Inspector Gary R. Barksdale this week in announcing the largest coordinated sweep of elder fraud cases in history. This year, prosecutors charged more than 400 defendants, far surpassing the 260 defendants charged in cases as part of last year’s […]