Scam Phone Call Reported in County of a Family Member Claiming to be in Distress

Residents in Cortland County are being put on alert after a scam phone call was reported to the Cortland County Sheriff’s Office where a victim received a phone call from a family member who said they were in serious trouble with law enforcement. The scam call included an AI technique where the victim hears the voice of the family member.

The Sheriff’s Office says if you receive a call like this or message, contact that person first and verify that they are actually safe. You should never provide any personal information or payment information out to someone you do not know. Always verify the caller ID when receiving a phone call like this. 

Anyone who receives a call from someone who is identifying themselves as a member of law enforcement and requests money, gift cards, to call the Sheriff’s Office at (607) 753-3311 to report the incident.