ONEIDA — Police are warning residents about a phone scam that has targeted elderly community members multiple times over the past six months.
Scammers have been calling elderly residents while pretending to be attorneys, law enforcement officers or family members, according to the Oneida City Police Department.
The callers falsely claim that a loved one, usually a son or grandson, has been involved in a serious car accident and is facing criminal charges.
Victims are then pressured to withdraw large amounts of cash, often thousands of dollars, and hand it over to a “courier.”
The scammers have been using ride-share drivers from services such as Uber to pick up the money.
In most cases, the drivers are unaware they are involved in a scam, police said.
Police advise residents to always pause and verify such claims by contacting the relative or another trusted family member directly.
Residents should never send cash, gift cards or personal information to strangers, according to the warning.
Police also caution residents to be wary of anyone asking for secrecy or urgent action involving money.
Anyone who suspects a scam should call police immediately at (315) 363-2323.
The scam has already targeted members of the community and the Central New York area, police said.
