New York State Police (NYSP) is warning people of two scams happening right now in Suffolk County and around New York.
Scammers attacked Cortland County residents most recently, but it is happening across the Emire State. Everyone should be vigilant and aware about phone calls and texts from unknown numbers and anyone asking for personal information or telling a story to get money.
NYSP Investigators received calls from many people that someone from a police department is calling them and demanding money so they don’t get arrested. The caller typically mentions something about the person needing to pay for a warrant or that they found drugs in packages shipped to their address and need to pay immediately so that they don’t go to jail.
These phone numbers are spoofed and not coming from the local police department. These scammers rely on fear and a sense of urgency from regular and well-meaning people.
The police will never call you and demand or ask for money over the phone. They will not ask you to pay with crypto or Google Play or gift cards. NYSP stresses that this is a scam, please do not fall for it.
“NYSP urges the public to spread the message of this scam. Do not ever wire money, send cash, use gift cards, or send cryptocurrency to someone who you don’t know. Do not give the person on the other line any financial or personal information if they call you, text, or email you. Caller ID’s can be faked so don't rely on that - but if you ever have a question stop by a local police agency or call their non-emergency line,” said the NY State Police in a statement.
The second scam NYSP is warning about involves E-ZPass. The scam texts tell you that you have an unpaid toll invoice and you must settle it right then on the phone. They say if you don’t, it will cost you an extra $150 in penalties.
Troopers said, “E-ZPass and Tolls by Mail will NEVER send anyone an email or text requesting sensitive personal information such as credit card numbers or users’ names and passwords.”
NYSP strongly stresses that if you get one of these texts, delete it and block the number immediately. Do not respond.
If you have any questions about these scams, you can check their website for additional information.