Prince George’s County Police search for person who posed as Social Security Administration employee to elicit money

PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY, Md. ( DC News Now ) — Police in Prince George’s County are looking for a person who allegedly posed as an employee of the Social Security Administration (SSA) and stole more than $10,000 from a woman after he visited her home in June.

“A resident was on their computer and received a pop-up notification indicating that their computer had been compromised,” said Lt. Joe Bellino, who heads the Prince George’s County Police Department’s (PGPD) Financial Crimes Section.

They were then instructed to call a provided phone number.

The victim spoke to several suspects who falsely represented themselves as computer tech support employees, officials from the bank and officials from the SSA, according to police.

PGPD said the suspects emailed the victim a document with the person’s name and bank. They told the victim that their bank account was compromised and that the SSA was working with government agencies to support them.

The letter – with the SSA’s letterhead – contained a signature claiming to be from former Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley.

“The victim, then following the guidance she believed to be government officials, was told to withdraw $10,000 from her banking institution,” Bellino said.

The suspects told the victim that someone would pick up the money in person, using an agreed-upon code word. Police obtained a video of this suspect receiving the money and are asking for help finding him.

PGPD said that this year, the department has received reports of 22 fraudulent tech support incidents, resulting in the loss of around half a million dollars.

In similar situations, victims have received a computer notification, text or phone call from a suspect posing as a tech support agent, claiming their computer has a virus and they need remote access to fix it.

This often results in the victim being transferred to a fraudulent bank official who steals the victim’s money.

“It’s psychological warfare,” said Bellino. “They’re trained and they’re instructed to keep the victims at a heightened state of fear.”

PGPD advises residents never to give out personal information to anyone they do not know. If you believe you have been a victim or know the identity of the involved person, call detectives at 301-516-1464.

The department said callers who wish to remain anonymous can call 1-866-411-8477 or go online at www.pgcrimesolvers.com .

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