State Police warn residents of phone scam
A.J. Martelli
New York State Police are warning area residents of a phone scam, after a victim reported a fraud attempt, police said.
A group of individuals identifying themselves as the state police have contacted citizens in Westchester County, requesting personal information and demanding money orders and gift card purchases, police said.
The number the groups are calling from displays state police on the caller ID. Police confirmed the scam. The agency does not ask for personal information over the phone.
Police are investigating the matter, and suggest residents not share personal information over the phone.
Here are some tips from the Dutchess County Sheriff's Office to avoid these type of scams:
- Don't give money to anyone you don't know
- Confirm with relatives, official law enforcement or medical agencies to confirm if your relative is hurt or in jail before sending money to a stranger
- Never meet up with strangers
- Take caution with sending money overseas
- Ask caller for call back number or ask to speak with survivor to confirm information provided, if they refuse then that's a sign of a scam
- Be wary of calls from strangers following the death of a loved one before sending money
- Don't send money to win money, in some cases victims are told they won money but have to spend some to "process the claim"
- Contact the Sheriff's Office at 845-486-3800 or email dcsotips@gmail.com if you have doubt about a phone call before sending money
A.J. Martelli: amartelli@poughkeepsiejournal.com, 845-437-4836, Twitter: @AJ_Martelli
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