Scammers are at it again in New York—and this time they’re using phone spoofing tactics to impersonate the State Police. A recent wave of scam calls is prompting a new warning from the New York State Police (NYSP) urging residents to stay alert and protect their personal information.
According to officials, callers are pretending to be law enforcement officers and are demanding Social Security numbers and other sensitive details. Some victims have even reported threats of arrest or legal action if they don’t comply.
The calls appear to come from legitimate phone numbers, including official NYSP lines, thanks to caller ID spoofing—a technique scammers use to fake the identity of the caller.
What makes this New York scam dangerous?
The scam preys on fear and confusion, aiming to pressure victims into giving up private information. These impersonators typically claim the target is under investigation or has outstanding legal issues, prompting them to act without verifying the source.
The New York State Police stressed that real law enforcement officers will never call individuals asking for personal information or demand payment over the phone.
“If you get a suspicious call—even if it looks legitimate—do not engage,” police advised. “Hang up immediately and report it.”
What to do if you get one of these scam calls
To stay safe, the NYSP recommends the following actions:
- Do not share any personal information over the phone.
- Never send money or make payments in response to threats.
- Hang up immediately, even if the caller ID looks official.
- Save any voicemails and note the phone number used.
- Verify independently by calling the actual agency using a trusted number.
- Report suspicious activity to your local authorities or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
How phone spoofing scams work
This isn’t just a New York problem—phone spoofing scams are a national issue. Con artists use digital tools to make it seem like they’re calling from government agencies, police departments, or even banks. Their goal is to trick people into revealing sensitive information like:
- Social Security numbers
- Bank account details
- Medicare or insurance info
- Login credentials
Once scammers have this data, they can commit identity theft, open fraudulent accounts, or drain victims’ finances.
Staying alert in 2025
As these tactics evolve, scam awareness is more important than ever. State officials are encouraging New Yorkers to talk to friends and family—especially older people—who may be more vulnerable to these types of calls.
If you believe you’ve been targeted by this scam, you can file a report with the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov or call your local police department for assistance.
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