From Gary Ambridge:
We had a very interesting phone call this afternoon. A “Lt. Cross, badge number 48” (410-443-4340) of the “Harford County Sheriff’s Office” called to tell us that a warrant has been issued for our arrest (both me and Joanna) because we failed to appear for a grand Jury.
The only way we could keep from being immediately arrested was to send $6200.00 in electronic funds. We were to give him the number of the Reloadit card which could only be bought from a Red Lion. We had to give him our cell phone number. And he wanted to be on line with us the entire time. The money would be refunded to us once we showed up to the Court House on Oct. 13th and report to States Attorney David Ruff (no such person).
He knew I was excused for County court cases due to my age and he knew the address of the court house, my home address and, obviously, my phone number. He sounded completely authentic albeit aggressive and rude. However, since I’m naturally combative and suspicious I called the Sheriff’s Department to inquire if this was, if fact, legitimate using Joanna’s phone. When we found out that it was a scam, we told Lt. Cross that we had the money and were on our way to Red Lion. Instead, we drove straight to the Sherriff’s office, explained what was going on and handed to phone to the deputy. The deputy began to get some information from “Lt. Cross” until we heard the deputy say, “no I’m not playing police, I am the police.”
“Lt. Cross” then said that my wife had called him to solicit sex. He then hung up. We call a cruiser to our house and gave a report. The only thing that bothered me was that he knew so much about me.
Everyone should be aware that anytime anyone asks for money over the phone, it is probably a scam and one should report it to the police.
You were smart on how you handled this situation. When in doubt always call the police and never give in. Harford county would never call to tell you that you have a warrant. They would send 2 officers to your door.
There are simular scams where people call and pretentious to be a relative, mostly a grandson. These people say they are in jail and need bail money wired. First off Harford county never takes wire transfer for bail money. Never giver personal information over the phone for any situation. If someone calls you to “verify” your address but wants you to give it them they are a scammer. Be very careful people.
What is a red lion?
http://lmgtfy.com/?q=red+lion
I even looked up what a relodit card is and where it is available. Who knows what a red lion is.
Maybe they meant food lion? Or they wanted him to go to a store in red lion PA so it’s harder to trace?
I am sure he meant food lion but since he said “red” lion twice it rally makes the rest of the letter suspect.
Mr. Ambridge: I’m no marriage counselor, but If I were you, I would try to get to the bottom of why your wife is calling up Lt. Cross to solicit him; especially since he’s a crook. Just sayin’….
Hope things work out for you.
And one more thing, if any caller asks for your cell phone number do not give it to him. This was my first mistake, instead say, “Sorry, I don’t remember it and it is in my car, give me your phone number and I’ll call you back.” If he refuses, then you know this is not a legitimate call. I traced the call to Easton MD. I called the Easton Police Dept and gave them the information. The Sheriff’s Dept. told me that this scam has been reported to them many times: Hats off to their professionalism.
So Perry Mason, when he asked you to give him your cell number, why would say” “Sorry, I don’t remember it and it is in my car, ….”. Why wouldn’t you just say “no”?
If it’s been reported many times and is still going on, they don’t sound all that professional.
People are so gullable. Policia don’t call and ask for money. They’d show up randomly in TAC gear going hut hut hut hut hut around your home to haul you to jail.
It was probably the folks that want to build the new walmart trying to get gary to realize if he had a walmart close by he could save time getting the cash card.,
Don’t answer the phone unless you recognize the number on caller id.
Yeah, that’s the best thing we can do to avoid these scammers. I usually just ignore it and have a quick look up the number on sites like http://whycall.me to check if there are any reports filed under that number. If yes, then I just can add the number to my blacklist.
Lol…that’s right, the sheriff’s office would never rip off innocent citizens, yea right!?!?!?