BUFFALO, N.Y. — The Erie County Sheriff's Office is warning people of a new phone scam.
The sheriff's office said on Saturday it has received a number of reports of people receiving phone calls from someone who claims to be a member of local law enforcement. They attempt to convince the person that they owe money for fines, that they must bail out a family member, or that they have a warrant out that must be addressed.
"The caller will then request payment via credit card information or by purchasing gift cards," the sheriff's office said Saturday in a statement, warning of the scam.
"The Erie County Sheriff’s Office will never directly call you and illicit money and will never do so in a harassing or malicious manner. If you should receive one of these calls, please hang up and report the matter to local police."
