Don't stop! Md. State Police warn drivers to avoid stopping for panhandlers

NEW CARROLLTON, Md. - Maryland State Police have a warning out for drivers - they say you should NOT stop on exit ramps for people who are flagging down vehicles for help.

Apparently, a number of drivers were targeted on Wednesday in the same type of scam. Some of those drivers stop to help and when they do, the suspects say they're stuck and they need cash.

The victims in the cases handed over cash - thinking they are helping someone in need, but then the suspects turn around run back to their car and drive away, turns out the cars were never broken down at all! It's also led to traffic delays and accidents, again police say this is happening on both the inner and outer loop ramps to and from Route 450.

There were also similar incidents in Baltimore and Harford counties, in some cases the suspects offered jewelry to the people who stopped - in exchange for cash they claimed they needed.

Witnesses describe the suspects as ethnically diverse and say they were in various models of cars and SUV's. Police are referring to the suspects as panhandlers and people who work around the area say there are frequent panhandlers in the area - although this seems to be more sinister.

If you know anything about it police want to hear from you.