Bowie deputy chief warns seniors and residents about common scams

Deputy Chief Robert Liberati of the Bowie Police Department on Thursday urged Bowie residents, particularly seniors, to be alert to common scams that seek money or personal information. Liberati listed seven frequent schemes and advised people to verify contacts and report suspicious activity to the department at (240) 544-5700.

Liberati opened by saying the guidance is intended especially for seniors but applies to anyone who might be targeted. He warned that offers promising large profits or valuable prizes are often fraudulent: "if it's too good to be true, stop and think," he said. Liberati emphasized there is "no free lunch" and advised residents to avoid promises of quick, easy money.

He cautioned against unsolicited texts, emails or calls that claim to be from well-known figures or major companies — naming Elon Musk and Steve Jobs as the kinds of public figures scammers invoke, and Microsoft and Google as examples of companies used in impersonation schemes — saying those contacts are scams because "these individuals or companies do not make unsolicited calls." Liberati also described marketplace scams in which a seller is asked to pay money up front to guarantee a sale, warning, "Why put up any money? If you do this, the money will disappear."

On impersonation of law enforcement, Liberati said callers who claim there are missed court dates or warrants and who demand payment (often by gift cards) are fraudulent: "The police and other law enforcement agencies do not do this," he said, calling it a red flag. He reiterated that requests to buy gift cards for payment are not a legitimate method for businesses to collect money unless the purchase is made directly at that store or its official website.

Liberati also described schemes that tell targets they are involved in a bank fraud case and instruct them to withdraw or transfer funds and not to discuss it with their bank or the police, and warned that scammers frequently use spoofed telephone numbers to appear legitimate. His practical advice: if residents know an agency's official website, look up its phone number there and call that number directly rather than rely on caller ID, and if they are unsure, "stop. Don't go any further and ask someone you trust."

The Bowie Police Department asked anyone who believes they have been scammed or offered a scam to call (240) 544-5700 and speak with an officer. Liberati closed the brief advisory with a reminder to use caution when handling unsolicited contacts.

The department did not propose any formal action in this statement; the message was preventive and informational.