Sheriff warns of phone scam with reps pretending to be from Sheriff’s Office

Callers falsely say people missed grand jury summons or responding to court paperwork

Press Release, Orleans County Sheriff Chris Bourke

ALBION – The Orleans County Sheriff’s Office is alerting the public to an increase in scams involving individuals falsely claiming to represent the Sheriff’s Office.

In recent incidents, community members have reported receiving phone calls from individuals falsely claiming to be members of the Orleans County Sheriff’s Office or other government agencies. These callers state that the recipient missed a Grand Jury summons or failed to respond to other court-issued paperwork, and advise that payment is required immediately to avoid arrest or further legal action. Victims are instructed to remain on the phone while transferring money through electronic payment applications such as Cash App, PayPal, Apple Pay, or similar services.

These calls are fraudulent. The Orleans County Sheriff Office is working with some local victims of this scam that have been swindled out of several thousand dollars.

The Sheriff’s Office reminds the public that law enforcement agencies will never request payment over the telephone, through mobile applications, or by gift cards. The Sheriff’s Office does not collect fines, fees, or restitution in this manner, and will never instruct individuals to remain on the phone while sending money.

Scammers often use tactics designed to create urgency and fear, including threats of arrest, legal consequences, or additional penalties if payment is not made immediately.

Anyone who believes they may have been a victim of this scam is encouraged to contact the Sheriff’s Office to file a report.