The Oneida County Sheriff’s Office is alerting residents about a new phone scam. Scammers are impersonating members of the Sheriff’s Office, demanding payment for supposed fines or active warrants. They often speak quickly and use an authoritative tone to pressure victims into sending money via bank transfer, gift cards, or pre-paid debit cards.
Sheriff Maciol emphasizes that the Sheriff’s Office will never request payment or personal financial information over the phone. If you receive a suspicious call, follow these steps:
- Stop and Take a Breath: Scammers try to make you feel rushed.
- Collect Your Thoughts: If the call seems suspicious, it likely is.
- Act Swiftly: Disengage the caller and hang up.
- Report the Scam: Contact the Sheriff’s Office at 315-736-0141 if you or a loved one has been targeted.
Stay vigilant and help protect our community from these fraudulent activities.
