Oneida County Sheriff's Office warns of latest scam where fraudsters are impersonating personnel and demanding fine payments for active warrants

ORISKANY- Have you received a phone call lately from someone claiming to be someone from the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office – demanding that you pay fines amidst an active warrant?

If so, authorities say it’s a scam. “Oneida County Sheriff's Office agency members will never demand payment or request personal financial information from residents over the phone,” the Sheriff’s Office said in a released statement.

According to officials, the Sheriff’s Office has fielded numerous complaints, where scam callers have been impersonating members of the Sheriff’s Office.

These scammers have been demanding that fines be paid due to active warrants.

Keep in mind, the goal of a scammer is to get their victims to react without giving a moment to process the situation, the Sheriff’s Office said.

Scammers will often use a very authoritative or even threatening tone of voice to trick their victims into revealing their personal information or to send money.

Here are some steps you can take if you receive a call from a suspected scammer:

1. Stop and take a breath: Scammers will put you on the spot to make you feel rushed
2. Collect your thought: If the call seems suspicious, it most likely is
3. Act swiftly: Disengage the caller and hang up the phone
4. If you or a loved one has been the victim of a scam, contact the Sheriff's Office at 315-736-0141 to make a report.

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