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 Attorney General Brian E. Frosh is warning Maryland residents to be on guard against scams involving the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (“COVID-19”). Scammers are setting up websites to sell bogus health products that claim to prevent or cure COVID-19, and using fake emails, texts, and social media posts about COVID-19 as a ruse to steal money and personal information. […]
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 […]
UPDATE: A 2020 version of this scam is now making the rounds – read more. Original story below… —— BALTIMORE, MD—The Office of the Attorney General has received information indicating that businesses in Maryland have been receiving a letter entitled “2019 Certificate of Good Standing Request Form.” The letter requests a fee in exchange for a letter of good standing […]
BALTIMORE, MD—With the holiday season quickly approaching, BGE is reminding customers to always be on alert for potential payment scams targeting utility customers. Scams occur throughout the year, but the company has seen an increase in scam reports during the holiday season. With holiday shopping and family gatherings planned, scammers are using the holiday season to trick utility customers into […]