WASHINGTON — Prank calls that appear to be coming from the Maryland State Police are ringing on phones across the country.
State police began getting calls Thursday morning from confused people who live as far away as Hawaii. They told authorities they’d received an odd automated call stating that an internet crime had been committed. Recipients were also asked to phone the department’s criminal enforcement division right away.
“It sounds realistic to those who may not understand what they are receiving,” spokesman Ron Snyder said of the prank call.
Adding to the confusion, the prankers spoofed the department’s numbers so the caller ID appears as “Maryland State Police” or their correct number, Snyder said.
“This isn’t a case where it’s connected to any extortion or theft, but it is causing undue concern for people … wondering why they are receiving a call from the Maryland State Police,” Snyder said.
“Others reported that when they answer the phone, they are met with silence and the number on their caller ID is 410-953-8200. While the number shown on caller ID is the correct phone number for the Criminal Enforcement Division, the Maryland State Police is not making any such calls,” the department said on its Facebook page.
Anyone getting a similar call should hang up and ignore it, Snyder said.
