OCEAN CITY, MD—The Ocean City Police Department is alerting the public to a scam involving an individual impersonating Chief Ross Buzzuro.
The scammer has been contacting residents via email and phone, falsely claiming they owe money for inheritance fees and threatening arrest for non-payment.
Authorities emphasize that law enforcement officials, including Chief Buzzuro and other local agencies, would never request money over the phone or through email for legal matters such as court fines or warrants.
The department advises against sending money electronically under these circumstances and urges anyone contacted by the scammer to refrain from providing any personal information.
Residents are reminded that email display names and phone numbers can be easily spoofed. The Ocean City Police recommend verifying any suspicious contact by hanging up and calling their office directly at a known number or by checking the full email address in any questionable correspondence.
The official email handle for the department is name@oceancitymd.gov.