BGE urges customers to take advantage of flexible payment options, energy assistance in advance of end of moratorium on service terminations on Nov. 15

BALTIMORE, MD—BGE this week reminded customers there are many payment and billing options and energy assistance programs available for those having difficulty keeping their accounts up to date. BGE officials say service terminations, which were suspended in March, are a last resort and many times, can be avoided, if customers contact them to discuss options before their accounts are in […]

Maryland businesses receiving fake “2020 Certificate of Good Standing Request Form” letter; same scam as in 2019

BALTIMORE, MD—An updated version of a common scam targeting business owners is once again making the rounds. The Office of the Attorney General has received information that businesses in Maryland have been receiving a letter entitled “2020 Certificate of Good Standing Request Form” that requests a fee in exchange for a letter of good standing with an “official seal of […]

Authorities warn of fake COVID-19 contact-tracing scams

NOTTINGHAM, MD—As more of the population ventures out, it increases their chances of being exposed to COVID-19. This could lead to a call from a Maryland Department of Health contact tracer who tracks residents’ whereabouts as well as with whom they have been in contact in recent weeks. The Federal Trade Commission, Maryland Department of Health, and Baltimore County Police […]

FBI sees rise in online shopping scams

BALTIMORE, MD—The Federal Bureau of Investigation says an increasing number of victims are being directed to fraudulent websites via social media platforms and popular online search engines. According to complaints received by the FBI, an increasing number of victims have not received items they purchased from websites offering low prices on items such as gym equipment, small appliances, tools, and […]

State Fire Marshal warns of fake online fireworks poster

BALTIMORE, MD—The Office of the State Fire Marshal is warning Maryland residents of a fictitious online poster circulating on various social media accounts, referencing Independence Day celebrations and social distancing. The poster claims that Governor Larry Hogan has issued a directive on a specific way to handle sparklers and limited the amount of time residents are allowed to celebrate outdoors. […]

Baltimore County Police Department offers tips to avoid online COVID-19 scams

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 […]

Police warn Marylanders about phony Publishers Clearing House phone scam

NOTTINGHAM, MD— Maryland State Police are warning the public about a telephone scam circulating in which the caller claims to be an agent for Publishers Clearing House. The called states that the person contacted has “won the grand prize” from Publishers Clearing House, but they must first pay a $250 “fee” to cover the cost of taxes. Publishers Clearing House […]