UPPER MARLBORO, Md. — As the holiday shopping season picks up, Prince George’s County police are warning residents about a surge in sophisticated scams impersonating major companies and financial institutions. Investigators say scammers are now posing as brands like Best Buy, PayPal, Venmo, and even well-known banks, often claiming that a victim’s account has been compromised.

According to police, advancements in AI technology are making these fraudulent messages more convincing than ever. Texts, pop-ups, and phone calls can appear highly polished and urgent, designed to pressure victims into handing over personal or financial information.

One scam circulating now involves messages disguised as Geek Squad subscription renewals from Best Buy. The notices may claim the recipient owes a

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