Prince George's County approves penalties for utility and government impersonators
County lawmakers backed jail time and fines for fake Pepco and government workers after scams cost residents thousands and targeted older adults.
Prince George’s County Council approved a measure on Tuesday that would make it a crime to falsely claim you work for Pepco or any local, state or federal agency while trying to get money, account information or access to a home. Under the bill, a first offense could bring up to 60 days in jail and a fine of up to $2,000, with tougher penalties for repeat offenders.
The legislation, CB-038-2026, is titled “An Act Concerning Impersonation of Utility Companies and Government Agencies.” The bill would amend existing county law that already prohibits someone from falsely representing that they are, or are acting for, a utility company or a government agency.
Council members Wanika Fisher and Shayla Adams-Stafford introduced the measure after older adults and other residents were targeted by impostor scams. In one Prince George’s County case, a resident lost more than $8,000 after being deceived by someone posing as a utility worker. On April 2, 2026, the Prince George’s County Police Department warned residents about Pepco impersonation scams and said one victim in a related case lost $18,500.
Police said the scams have used face-to-face encounters, fake uniforms and demands for immediate payment to pressure residents into handing over cash or personal information. The bill now goes to County Executive Aisha Braveboy for consideration.
All of Pepco’s employees and contractors carry company ID badges with a name, photograph and identification number, and customers can verify a worker or the work being done by calling 202-833-7500. Pepco also warns that scammers may demand payment by wire transfer, gift card or cryptocurrency, methods the company does not use.
The Federal Trade Commission says imposter scams were the number-one scam for the ninth year in a row.
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