ELMIRA — The Chemung County Sheriff’s Office is alerting the public about a recurring phone scam in which individuals pose as law enforcement representatives and attempt to solicit money from residents.
According to the sheriff’s office, numerous people have reported receiving calls from someone claiming to be “Sergeant Jim Ritter” of the Chemung County Sheriff’s Office.
The caller tells recipients they have a warrant for their arrest, citing offenses such as failure to appear, criminal contempt, or involvement in a civil process.
The purported caller has also referenced the Honorable Chris Baker as the issuing judge.
Victims are instructed to purchase money pak cards from stores such as Dollar General or Family Dollar.
While remaining on the line, the scammer directs individuals to scratch off the code on the back of the card and provide the numbers.
Officials emphasize that these calls are fraudulent and that no member of the Chemung County Sheriff’s Office will contact the public to demand money under these circumstances.
Residents are urged not to provide personal, credit, or debit card information to unknown callers and not to comply with any request for payment from someone identifying themselves as law enforcement over the phone.
Anyone who receives such a call should end the call immediately or inform the caller that law enforcement is aware of the scam.
Individuals who have received these calls or lost money as a result are asked to contact the Chemung County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division at 607-737-2933.
