LEONARDTOWN, MD (April 24, 2026) The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office, Calvert County Sheriff’s Office, and Charles County Sheriff’s Office are warning residents about a phone scam in which callers impersonate law enforcement officers and claim they can assist in securing the release of a loved one from jail. In some cases, the caller impersonates a law enforcement officer from a neighboring county, falsely claiming the loved one is in another nearby correctional facility.  

In reported incidents, scammers tell victims that a family member or acquaintance has been arrested, offer to arrange home detention, or claim they can post bond and place the individual on a monitoring device. The callers then demand payment and solicit personal information to “complete” the process.

These claims are fraudulent.

The sheriff’s offices emphasize that law enforcement agencies do not contact individuals to request payment for the release of someone from custody. Any legitimate bond payments or court-related fees are handled exclusively through the court system.

Scammers may use sophisticated tactics to appear credible, including spoofing phone numbers to display a recognized law enforcement agency, using official-sounding titles, and creating a sense of urgency to pressure victims into acting quickly.

Residents are urged to remain cautious and take the following steps if they receive a call of this nature:

• Do not send money or provide personal information
• Hang up immediately
• Attempt to contact the individual in question directly
• Verify any claims by contacting the detention center or court using an official, publicly listed phone number

Anyone who receives a suspicious call or believes they may have been targeted by this scam is encouraged to report the incident to their local sheriff’s office.

Residents in St. Mary’s County may contact the Sheriff’s Office at 301-475-8008.

To submit a tip anonymously in St. Mary’s County:
• Text 847411: Start your message with “SMCSO” followed by your tip
• Online: Visit www.FirstSheriff.com/tips
• App: Submit through the SMCSO mobile app

Residents in Calvert County may contact the Sheriff’s Office at (410) 535-2800.

To submit a tip anonymously, download our Sheriff’s Office App at  https://apps.myocv.com/share/a39520678 or email CCSOtips@calvertcountymd.gov
 

Residents in Charles County may contact the Sheriff’s Office at 301-932-2222.

To submit a tip anonymously, call Charles County Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS or visit Charles County Crime Solvers. 

For emergencies, always call 911.