NYSP warns of scam

New York State Police are warning people of another scam going around, this one in Cortland County but has been in other areas in the past.

NYSP Investigators at Homer have received calls from local residents 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 really coming from the local police department. These scammers rely on fear and a sense of urgency.

The police will not call you and demand or ask for money over the phone. They definitely will NOT ask you to pay with Crypto or Google Play cards or gift cards. 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 you 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.