CORTLAND — The Cortland County Sheriff’s Office issued a warning Tuesday about scam phone calls targeting local residents.
Sheriff Mark E. Helms said several citizens in and around the community have received calls from individuals falsely claiming to be members of the sheriff’s office.
The scammers are reportedly demanding payments to avoid warrants, prosecution or arrest.
“I would like to remind the community that we will not call to solicit payment from you in lieu of warrants, prosecution, or arrest,” Helms said in the notice.
The sheriff warned residents never to provide private information over the phone unless they are certain the call is from a legitimate source.
Helms specifically cautioned against providing gift card or prepaid credit card information to callers, noting these are not accepted forms of payment for bail, fines or to dismiss charges.
Residents who receive suspicious calls are encouraged to contact the sheriff’s office at (607) 753-3311 to speak with an officer.
