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According to the Dutchess County Sheriff's Office, a new scam involves callers identifying themselves as Sheriff Adrian "Butch" Anderson and tells the person they have been the victim of identity theft, said Capt. John Watterson.
Another new scam is also hitting the phone lines with callers pretending to be from Medicare offer fake services that don't exist, the department said.
The Medicaid scammers are using the number 661-468-9066.
The two new scams do not appear to be connected, and so far the department has not received notice of anyone sending money, Watterson said.
The department is using the new scams as a way to remind residents that scammers play on the victim's emotions, often claiming a family member is injured or in jail, to get money.
They also will pose as a law enforcement official or another relative to try and convince the victim that it’s legitimate, Watterson said.
The department offered some tips to avoid becoming a victim of a scammer:
- Do not meet up with someone that you don’t know, if you’re asked, it is surely a scam, and dangerous.
- If you’re contacted by someone you don’t know asking for money, that’s a signal it's a scam.
- If someone calls you and tells you that a relative has been hurt or is in jail, confirm it first before sending money.
- If a loved one has recently passed away be wary; in some cases, scammers have even preyed on victims by searching through the obituaries and calling surviving loved ones.
- In some cases someone will call and tell the victim that they’ve won money, but to “process the claim” they need to first send money. Never send money.
If you think you have scammed, or have questions, call the sheriff's office at 845-486-3800; or at the tipline at 845-605-2583 or email dcsotips@gmail.com.
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