SCHENECTADY, NY — Detectives are investigating a telephone scam in which callers impersonated police officers and demanded payment to resolve a fake warrant.
A resident reported receiving a call on May 4, 2026, from someone claiming to be a member of the Schenectady Police Department who said the resident had an active warrant, according to police.
The caller said a detective would call back, police said.
A short time later, another caller identified himself by name as an active member of the department’s Detective Division, according to police.
The resident was then given detailed instructions on how to “post bond” by mailing cash, police said.
The scammers used the department’s actual phone number and the name of a real Schenectady police detective, according to police.
Police said department personnel will never contact individuals by phone to request any form of payment in exchange for resolving a warrant or criminal matter.
Scammers are capable of “spoofing” phone numbers, making fraudulent calls appear as though they are coming from legitimate agencies or organizations, police said.
Police are asking anyone who receives such a call not to provide any personal or financial information and to hang up immediately and report the incident to law enforcement.
Anyone who has received a similar call is asked to contact the Schenectady Police Department at 518-630-0911.
