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Erie County Sheriff's Office: Residents warned of imposters calling for money, personal info

•Taken from the Jan 2 Island Dispatch

Thu, Jan 8th 2015 03:45 pm

Erie County Sheriff Timothy B. Howard warns county residents about scam artists impersonating members of the Erie County Sheriff's Office.

In recent weeks, concerned citizens have contacted Erie County Sheriff's Office detectives about suspicious phones calls from individuals pretending to be representatives from the sheriff's office. These telephone scammers portray themselves as deputies or staff members. The impersonators are asking for Social Security numbers, credit card numbers, bank account information and other personal information.

The imposters claim to be to collecting fines for outstanding tickets, warrants or other official law enforcement proceedings. This identity theft ring is attempting to have the victims send them money, give them credit card numbers, or share personal data.

"The sheriff's office doesn't conduct any phone solicitation for law enforcement purposes," Howard said. "If you receive one of these calls, try to write down the name of the imposter and number they are calling from and then contact the sheriff's office immediately."

"I urge everyone to never give out your personal, banking or credit card information to anyone over the phone."

People can call the Erie County Sheriff's Office at 716-858-2903.

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