Scammers Posing As PayPal, Amazon Employees, Dutchess County Sheriff Says

They offered the following suggestions to avoid falling prey to scam artists:

• If you are contacted by anyone that you don't know asking you for money, it is probably a scam. 
• Exercise caution and restraint when asked by callers to purchase items, transfer money, relay banking information or enter any kind of code—it is likely a scam. 
• If a caller asks for money, telling you that a relative has been hurt or is in jail, call that relative, law enforcement, the institution itself or family members. 
• Do not meet up with anyone you don't know
• Ask suspicious callers for a call back number, or to speak to their supervisor. Oftentimes, scammers will hang p at this point or give you a bogus number
• Use extreme caution sending money overseas
• If you get calls from people you don't know asking for money after a relative passes away, be suspicious 
• You should never have to pay money to claim a prize
• Be especially alert around the holiday season, when scams are more prevalent

If you suspect that you've been contacted by a scammer, you can call the Sherriff's department at 845-486-3800 or via the tipline at 845-605-CLUE or dcsotips@gmail.com.

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