NEW CARROLLTON, Md. (WBFF) – Maryland State Police are offering a word to the wise – don’t stop on exit ramps for panhandlers flagging down vehicles for help. This warning comes in response to several reports received by the College Park Barrack of suspects reportedly pretending their car is disabled.

These suspects, police say, flag down passing drivers on exit ramps and beg for money. Sometimes, they ask to trade jewelry for cash. This causes major traffic delays, and in some cases, it’s caused crashes on the ramps. The incidents have happened on exit ramps in the area of Rt. 450, Annapolis Rd., and the inner and outer loops of I-495.

Witnesses have described the panhandlers as being “ethnically diverse” and using a variety of vehicles ranging from SUVs to regular passenger cars.

Police believe similar incidents of panhandlers “pretending” to their cars is disabled and flagging down cars on ramps have also happened in Baltimore and Harford counties. Police are continuing to investigate and ask anyone with information to call 301-345-3101.