August 11, 2014
WHITE PLAINS, NY: Westchester County Clerk Timothy C. Idoni cautions residents to beware of a new telephone scam spreading around the country that has recently emerged in upstate New York. In this scam, victims receive calls from someone impersonating law enforcement or a local county agency official warning that a warrant will go out for their arrest if they fail to make a payment by the end of the business day. “Local and law enforcement government agencies will never call to solicit payment over the phone for a warrant or summons,” stated Westchester County Clerk Timothy C. Idoni. This scam has been traced to several out-of-state telemarketing companies.
Clerk Idoni warns residents that if you receive these types of calls asking for payment over the phone, immediately hang up and call the local county or law enforcement agency where the caller claimed to be from to get verification. If you have caller ID on your phone, you may wish to provide the number to that agency. “Never provide your credit card or banking information to a call solicitation over the phone,” Idoni shared. “While you may get a call from a legitimate bill collector on occasion, do not let the scam artist confuse you. We are warning residents to be on alert, as this scam is growing throughout the country.”
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