Oxford Police warn public about phone scam
OXFORD – A warning has been issued by the Oxford Police Department (OPD) regarding a scam in which a group of people are calling Oxford residents and claiming to be members of the OPD.
“The scammers have been calling residents of Oxford and surrounding communities and warning that residents owe money and that a warrant will be issued for their arrest,” said OPD Chief Richard Nolan.
Nolan said scammers are asking their targets to either turn themselves into the police or pay money owed in advance.
“The scammers have altered their phone number so that it appears to show the Oxford Police Department phone number and title listed on the victim’s caller ID,” said Nolan.
In essence, it was said that this phishing scam aims to defraud victims under the false perception that law enforcement action will be taken if fines are not paid.
To avoid falling victim to the scam, the OPD offered tips to residents.
• If a resident receives a call from the “Oxford Police Department” that is believed to be suspect, hang up and call the OPD office at 843-2333. If an officer is not available at the time of the call, it is suggested that a voicemail be left so an officer can make a return call as soon as possible.
• A resident can also contact the Chenango County Sheriff’s Office at 334-2000 and request contact to be made with a OPD patrol. “If we are not in service, you can be assured that the message did not come from us,” said Nolan.
• The OPD will not request payment of any kind by way of phone, letter, or email. The department will not call residents to threaten arrest if a person fails to pay a fine due to any court.
“The OPD is currently aware of only one case in which this specific scam has been perpetrated,” said Nolan. “But we’re taking a proactive approach in alerting community members with hopes of preventing any victims from being defrauded.”
Nolan added that residents should also be alert of other variations of this scam that involve other local agencies.
“The scammers have been calling residents of Oxford and surrounding communities and warning that residents owe money and that a warrant will be issued for their arrest,” said OPD Chief Richard Nolan.
Nolan said scammers are asking their targets to either turn themselves into the police or pay money owed in advance.
“The scammers have altered their phone number so that it appears to show the Oxford Police Department phone number and title listed on the victim’s caller ID,” said Nolan.
In essence, it was said that this phishing scam aims to defraud victims under the false perception that law enforcement action will be taken if fines are not paid.
To avoid falling victim to the scam, the OPD offered tips to residents.
• If a resident receives a call from the “Oxford Police Department” that is believed to be suspect, hang up and call the OPD office at 843-2333. If an officer is not available at the time of the call, it is suggested that a voicemail be left so an officer can make a return call as soon as possible.
• A resident can also contact the Chenango County Sheriff’s Office at 334-2000 and request contact to be made with a OPD patrol. “If we are not in service, you can be assured that the message did not come from us,” said Nolan.
• The OPD will not request payment of any kind by way of phone, letter, or email. The department will not call residents to threaten arrest if a person fails to pay a fine due to any court.
“The OPD is currently aware of only one case in which this specific scam has been perpetrated,” said Nolan. “But we’re taking a proactive approach in alerting community members with hopes of preventing any victims from being defrauded.”
Nolan added that residents should also be alert of other variations of this scam that involve other local agencies.
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