Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Monroe County Sheriff warns of phone scam

The Monroe County Sheriff’s office says it’s investigating a phone scam in which the caller identifies themselves as a Monroe County deputy.

The imposter explains to the person answering the phone that they have an open case and gives the individual an option to either be booked on the charges or pay a civil fine. In some cases, the scammer asks the individual to pay the fine using gift cards. The imposter says failure to pay will result in a warrant for the person’s arrest.

The sheriff’s department says these calls are fraudulent and that any legitimate law enforcement agency will not demand cash or gift cards from a member of the public.

Authorities urge anyone who gets this type of call to report it immediately. And officials say never give out personal information, including banking and Social Security details over the phone or to people you do not know.

Randy Gorbman is WXXI's director of news and public affairs. Randy manages the day-to-day operations of WXXI News on radio, television, and online.