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The Dutchess County Sheriff's Office said scammers are at work again attempting to get money from residents by making up elaborate stories, in most cases involving family members in trouble.
"It’s common for the perpetrators of these scams to try to get money by telling people that one of their relatives has been seriously hurt or is in jail and that they need money right away," said Capt. John Watterson, of the Sheriff's Office.
In many cases, they will pose as a law enforcement official or another relative to try and convince the victim that it’s legitimate he said.
The latest scam involves the perpetrators posing as representatives of law enforcement, Watterson said.
The Sheriff’s Office received two calls about this scam on Wednesday, March 9, and in both cases, the scammers identified themselves as “Sgt. Jason Mark” and left voicemails instructing the victims to call them back right away about an urgent matter, Watterson said.
In both cases, the call recipients recognized it as a scam and contacted the Sheriff’s Office immediately, he added.
Watterson reminds residents that law enforcement officials would not attempt to satisfy a warrant or make promises to avoid prosecution by soliciting money.
He added that residents should never send money over the phone or purchase prepaid cards to make payments unless they know they are dealing with a legitimate company.
If anyone thinks they may have been the victim of a scam they are encouraged to contact the Sheriff’s Office at 845-486-3800 or via the tipline at 845-605-CLUE or dcsotips@gmail.com.
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