Bowie Police Warn Residents of Phone Scam Impersonating Local Officials

Bowie Police issued a public warning after receiving multiple reports that callers were impersonating local and federal officials, using fake phone numbers to threaten residents with arrest warrants and demand payment through gift cards, cash apps, or Bitcoin.

In at least one instance, scammers claimed to be Bowie Police Chief Dwayne Preston. The calls follow a familiar script: victims are told they have an active arrest warrant, missed jury duty, or another unresolved legal issue requiring immediate payment to avoid arrest. In some cases, scammers also ask for sensitive personal data including Social Security numbers. In Prince George's County, the tactic has already cost at least one resident thousands of dollars, according to the Prince George's County Police Department.

The technology behind the calls makes them difficult to dismiss at first glance. Suspects have downloaded software that allows them to display any phone number or name on a recipient's caller ID, making a call appear to originate from a legitimate police department or county government line. The Bowie Police Department described these as fake or "spoofed" numbers on the city's official news flash.

The scheme is not limited to Bowie. Prince George's County Police and Maryland State Police have each issued their own warnings about near-identical impersonation calls targeting residents across the region. Maryland State Police emphasized that they do not call or text individuals or request money from anyone under any circumstances. Some impersonators have gone further, using the real names of officers to build credibility with victims, and others have asked residents to donate money to "support law enforcement and their families."

The Prince George's County Police Department was direct in its guidance: "Please know that the Prince George's County Police Department will never solicit private information, money or credit card information over the phone. If you receive a suspicious call, please contact our agency to verify the call. We also encourage you to share this information with your family, friends and neighbors."

Anyone who receives one of these calls should hang up immediately without providing any information or payment. The Bowie Police Department's non-emergency line is 240-544-5700, and residents with TTY needs can reach the city at 301-262-5013. For emergencies, call 911. Victims or potential victims can also file a complaint with the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov. Those who want to independently verify a call should hang up and dial the agency in question directly using a publicly listed number, not a number provided by the caller.