Phony bail bondsman arrested in Carroll County, allegedly scammed victim out of $29k

SYKESVILLE, Md. — Carroll County Sheriff's deputies have arrested a Virginia man in connection to a scam that's become widespread in Maryland over the past few months.

Normally someone calls the victim telling them a family member has been arrested and that money is needed for their bail.

Once the victim offers to put up the cash, the caller sends a phony bail bondsman to physically collect it at their home.

This particular case began Friday.

A Sykesville woman got a call claiming her nephew had been arrested, and that it would cost $29,000 to get them out of jail.

Ultimately the victim agreed to pay, at which point the caller sent a fake bail bondsman to the woman's home to pick-up the money.

A day later the scammer called again, saying $10,000 more was required to meet bail.

The victim went back to the bank to withdrawal more money, but a teller questioned the transaction and called police.

Later that day when the same guy returned to collect, police were there to arrest him.

He was identified as 62-year-old Michael Odell Anderson.

Investigators are still working to identify the caller.

In November, at least three similar incidents were reported in Baltimore County. Others have occurred in Anne Arundel, Queen Anne's and Frederick Counties.

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