Oneida County Sheriff Robert Maciol is advising residents…

Oneida County Sheriff Robert Maciol is advising residents of a phone scam involving the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office. We have been made aware of several calls using names of Sheriff’s Office Members regarding possible payment of fines, collection of money in lieu of arrest, or claims the victim owes money for these offenses and must issue payment immediately via mobile bank transfer, gift card or pre-paid debit card. Scammers often speak quickly and use an authoritative tone to put pressure on the citizen so he or she will agree to send money.

The Oneida County Sheriff’s Office wants citizens to know that agency members will never demand payment or request personal financial information over the telephone. If a citizen receives a call from a suspected phone scammer regarding an alleged arrest warrant or demand for payment of civic fines, they should remember to be

S.C.A.M. smart:

* Stop and take a breath. Scammers will put you on the spot and make you feel rushed* Collect your thoughts. If the call seems suspicious, it probably is* Act swiftly, disengage the caller and hang up the phone* Make a report with local law enforcement

“While this common scam may seem obvious to some, the community would be appalled to know how many vulnerable citizens have been taken advantage of right here in Oneida County. We owe it to our parents, friends, and neighbors to look out for one another.” - Sheriff Robert Maciol

If you or a loved one has been the recent victim of a scam, contact the Sheriff’s Office at 315-736-0141 to make a report.