Sheriff warns of phone scam in Chemung County

ELMIRA — The Chemung County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents about a phone scam involving someone posing as a sheriff’s office representative.

The sheriff’s office said Tuesday it received numerous calls from people who were contacted by an individual identifying himself as Sergeant Jim Ritter of the Chemung County Sheriff’s Office.

According to complainants, the fake sergeant told them they had a warrant for their arrest and requested money for a court summons or civil process.

The caller claimed the warrant was for failure to appear, criminal contempt or regarding a civil process, and mentioned Honorable Chris Baker as the issuing judge.

Recipients of the calls were directed to go to Dollar General or Family Dollar stores to purchase money pak cards.

The caller remained on the phone with intended victims, asking them to scratch off the code on the back of the cards and provide the number.

The sheriff’s office said the calls are fraudulent and that no member of the sheriff’s office contacts the public under these circumstances demanding money.

Officials advised the public not to disclose personal information over the phone, including credit or debit card information, and not to send payment to anyone identifying themselves as a law enforcement officer requesting money.

People who receive such calls should end the call immediately or tell the caller that the sheriff’s office is aware of the scam.

Anyone who received one of these calls or was scammed out of money should contact the Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division at 607-737-2933.