Residents of Prince George’s County, Maryland, are reeling after a sophisticated bank impersonation scam drained nearly $100,000 from unsuspecting victims in just one week. The Prince George’s County Police Department (PGPD) Financial Crimes Unit (FCU) has sounded the alarm as more reports surface, with fears growing that this scam could spread nationwide.
How the Bank Impersonation Scam Works
This alarming scheme involves scammers posing as bank representatives through text messages. Victims receive a text alerting them to supposed “suspicious activity” on their bank accounts, instructing them to call a number included in the message. The text appears credible, often mimicking official communication from major banks.
Once victims call, they speak to a scammer posing as a bank employee, who may already have alarming amounts of personal banking details. The fraudster then directs the victim to “protect” their money by:
- Withdrawing cash and depositing it into a crypto or traditional ATM
- Purchasing gift cards
Rather than safeguarding their funds, victims end up handing over their money directly to criminals disguised as legitimate institutions.
Banks Reportedly Targeted
Authorities have linked the scam to several major U.S. banks, including:
| Bank | Status |
|---|---|
| Wells Fargo | Confirmed reports |
| Bank of America | Confirmed reports |
| PNC Bank | Confirmed reports |
| Other Institutions | Under investigation |
Due to the convincing nature of the scam and the broad customer bases of these banks, it’s believed many more victims may exist but have not yet realized they’ve been targeted.
What Authorities Are Advising
The PGPD and federal officials urge residents to take the following precautions:
- Never respond to texts or calls about suspicious activity directly.
- Always call the number on the back of your debit or credit card.
- Visit your local branch in person if you’re concerned.
- Hang up immediately if someone pressures you to withdraw money or purchase gift cards.
These steps align with guidance from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), which has reported a surge in bank impersonation scams across the United States.
The Bigger Picture: Rising Bank Fraud Across America
According to recent FTC data, impersonation scams led to more than $470 million in losses for U.S. consumers last year—a fivefold increase since 2020. Although overall fraud reports are slightly down, scammers are becoming far more sophisticated.
Common scam techniques now include:
- Fake package delivery alerts
- Phony job offers promising high pay
- “Wrong number” text scams that escalate into financial theft
These scams often form part of larger criminal networks, making them even harder to trace and dismantle.
How Scammers Access Your Information
While investigations are ongoing, early indications suggest scammers are leveraging:
- Data breaches exposing phone numbers and emails
- Phishing attacks tricking victims into sharing sensitive details
- Public records to build more convincing profiles
This sophistication highlights the need for constant vigilance and skepticism when handling unsolicited financial communication.
How to Report Suspicious Messages
If you receive a suspicious text:
- Don’t delete it right away.
- Forward it to 7726 (SPAM) — this allows mobile carriers to block future scam attempts.
- Contact your bank using the official number found on your card or bank statement.
- Report scams directly to the PGPD Financial Crimes Unit at 301-516-1464.
Reporting early can help limit your losses and protect others from falling victim.
Key Steps to Protect Yourself
To stay safe from these evolving scams:
- Always verify suspicious claims independently.
- Resist the pressure to act immediately—scammers thrive on urgency.
- Be cautious of unfamiliar numbers and links.
- Regularly monitor your bank accounts for unauthorized transactions.
- Educate family and friends, especially older adults, who are often targeted.
With losses already nearing six figures in a single Maryland county, staying informed and alert is more critical than ever. Scammers count on fear and haste—don’t give them the upper hand.
FAQs:
What should I do if I get a text about suspicious bank activity?
Ignore the text and call your bank using the number on your debit or credit card.
How do scammers convince people to send money?
They create a false sense of urgency and impersonate legitimate bank officials with detailed personal information.
Is it safe to click links in bank texts?
No. Avoid clicking any links. Always verify independently by contacting your bank directly.
