Department of Public Works warns residents of new COVID-19 scams

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 […]

Maryland Secretary of State, Attorney General warn of possible COVID-19 charity scams

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. […]

DOJ charges elder fraud defendants nationwide and launches hotline

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 […]

Prosecutors recommend former Baltimore Mayor Catherine Pugh be sentenced to nearly 5 years in prison

BALTIMORE, MD—Federal prosecutors recommended on Thursday that former Baltimore Mayor Catherine Pugh be sentenced to nearly five years in prison. Last fall, Pugh was indicted on federal charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, seven counts of wire fraud, conspiracy to defraud the United States, and two counts of tax evasion. She indicted by a federal grand jury in connection […]

Police seeking to identify Edgewood fraud suspect

EDGEWOOD, MD—Police are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying a fraud suspect. At around 6:15 p.m. on December 18, officers responded to the Shoe City located in the 1800-block of Pulaski Highway in Edgewood for a report of fraud. Upon arrival, deputies from the Harford County Sheriff’s Office were informed that the victim had lost a debit card earlier in […]

Inspector General warns of new twist to Social Security phone scams

BALTIMORE, MD—The Inspector General of Social Security, Gail S. Ennis, is warning the public that telephone scammers may send faked documents by email to convince victims to comply with their demands. The Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General (OIG) has received reports of victims who received emails with attached letters and reports that appeared to be from Social […]

Former Baltimore Mayor Catherine Pugh pleads guilty to federal charges

UPDATE: Federal prosecutors have recommended that the former mayor be sentenced to nearly five years in prison. Original story below… —— BALTIMORE, MD—Catherine Pugh on Thursday pleaded guilty to 4 of 11 charges in her criminal indictment. The former Baltimore mayor has pleaded guilty to conspiracy and tax evasion charges, and pleaded not guilty to wire fraud. Pugh was indicted […]