Steuben County Sheriff Jim Allard is warning residents about a growing wave of scam calls — and this time, no one is off-limits.
In a new alert, the Sheriff’s Office said scammers are targeting people of all ages, not just older adults. The calls often involve fake threats, impersonations of law enforcement, and demands for gift cards or wire transfers.
Some of the most common scams include:
- Fake arrest warrants for missed court dates
- Threats involving sex offender registration
- Claims that personal information will be exposed unless money is sent
- Spoofed phone numbers to make calls look official
“These criminals are preying on fear and confusion,” Sheriff Allard said. “Law enforcement will never call you to demand payment.”
Officials are urging residents to protect themselves by:
- Never giving out personal or financial information over the phone
- Hanging up immediately and calling the agency directly using a verified number
- Reporting suspicious calls to local law enforcement or the Internet Crime Complaint Center
Everyone is encouraged to share this warning with friends and family. Scams can happen to anyone — staying alert is the best defense.
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