MECHANICS WANTED
Southern Md Police Beat Sheriff Tim Cameron says crooks using real deputy’s name and actual phone extensions in jury duty scam for cash are real crooks and not cops
Sheriff says don’t do as he did when he gave out
the personal information of over 300 Sheriff’s employees
LEONARDTOWN, MD. – UPDATE: Sheriff Tim Cameron reports that his deputies have become aware the perpetrators of an alleged jury duty scam are now using the names of Sheriff’s Department employees in this scam and are providing actual Sheriff’s Office extensions and phone numbers. Citizens are reminded to call the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Headquarters if you have been victimized by this scam.
Police are advising the public to be alert for a phone scam where the caller is posing as a sergeant with the Sheriff’s Office and advising the targeted individuals they failed to report for jury duty, and now have active warrants for their arrest. The caller then advises the failure to appear warrant was issued by a judge, or the State’s Attorney for St. Mary’s County and the individual must pay a fee to have the warrant withdrawn.
The caller instructs the victim to obtain MoneyPaks from a local store; MoneyPaks are used to transfer funds to a prepaid card or a debit card. Once the individual has obtained the MoneyPaks they are instructed to contact a fraudulent bond company to pay the predetermined fee and have the warrant recalled. For the added appearance of legitimacy, the caller provides a number with a local area code, and a three-digit prefix of numbers used locally, for the individual to contact. The number provided has an automated directory identifying as the St. Mary’s County Court Services Division.
St. Mary’s County Sheriff Cameron announced that he wants to assure citizens no legitimate law enforcement officer will call private citizens asking for MoneyPaks/money.
St. Mary’s County Sheriff Cameron announced that he wants to assure citizens no legitimate law enforcement officer will call private citizens asking for MoneyPaks/money.
When the Fraternal Order of Police wants money from the public to support activities of the local FOP Lodge in Great Mills, they hire telemarketing firms which call residents to request their donations.
The Sheriff’s Department also raises money for the Special Olympics and for some reason, to publicize the effort, they stand on top of the Dunkin Donuts in California, Md, and wave at passing motorists. Two Sheriff’s employees also crashed into the Dunkin Donuts in Easton Md., while driving drunk when they were on a mission to learn proper funeral detail protocol. The deputy, Cpl. Matt Rogers and the correctional officer, Maurice Gogul were both terminated.
Cameron said he wants to remind citizens to never give out personal information to callers they do not know.
Sheriff Cameron gave out the Social Security numbers of approximately 350 deputies, jail guards, clerks and command staff, including his own, to THE CHESAPEAKE TODAY as a result of a public information request. While that important information was released without the permission of any of the employees, the Sheriff, County Attorney, Finance Director and County Commissioners had sixty days to respond to the request for salary information and plenty of time to carefully consider their actions. In spite of all the steps of review and top officials involved, they still released the personal information of employees – perhaps due to incompetence.
At least, Sheriff Cameron told ABC 7 reporter Jay Korff that the county was lucky they gave it to THE CHESAPEAKE TODAY as they got all of the data back quickly.
However, fresh donuts dropped off at the headquarters are always welcome.
If you have been a victim of this jury duty scam, other phone scams, or have any information regarding these incidents, contact the Sheriff’s Office at (301) 475-8008. Citizens may remain anonymous and contact Crime Solvers at (301) 475-3333, or text a tip to “TIP239” plus their message to “CRIMES” (274637). Through the Crime Solvers Program tipsters are eligible for an award of up to $1,000 for information about a crime in St. Mary’s County that leads to an arrest or indictment.
