BUFFALO, N.Y. — The Erie County Sheriff's Office is urging people to be wary of a new gift card scam.
A Grand Island woman received a phone call on Thursday from someone claiming to be from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. The self-proclaimed government worker said a vehicle registered to the woman crossed the U.S.-Mexico border with 22 pounds of cocaine.
Because of that, the man said, she owed him four $500 gift cards.
"The woman did not purchase the gift cards and called the Erie County Sheriff’s Office," according to a recent statement that detailed the recent scam attempt.
The woman did what police are asking everyone to do if they receive such a phone call: hang up. After that, you're asked to call the Sheriff's department at 716-858-2903.
"No member of law enforcement would demand that you turn over gift cards to settle a legal matter," the Sheriff's Office said. "As a standard reminder, never share any personal information, including Social Security numbers, with anybody over an unsolicited phone call.