Scammers impersonating law enforcement, NYS Police warn

Phone scammers impersonating law enforcement officials have been spoof calling individuals, according to a New York State Police news release. 

The scammers have been demanding sensitive personal information, such as Social Security numbers, and threatening punitive action.

"These calls are fraudulent," the release states. "The New York State Police and other legitimate government agencies will never call individuals and demand sensitive information or threaten arrest or legal action over the phone." 

The police urge people who receive suspicious calls to not provide personal information or send money, and to hang up right away. People are also encouraged to save voicemails and keep track of phone numbers. To verify the call, contact the agency directly. 

"The New York State Police urge all residents to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activity involving impersonation of law enforcement or government agencies," the release states.

Spoofing is commonly used by scammers so that it appears calls are coming from trusted agencies.

Last year, Suffolk County police warned residents of a similar scam: Two people had sent more than $1,000 each through payment apps or money transfers to scammers impersonating the Suffolk County chief of police.

Suffolk County police said scammers use "spoofing apps" to disguise phone numbers, Newsday reported then. 

In 2023, an older Great Neck woman was scammed out of $25,000 by a person claiming to work for Chase bank's fraud department, Nassau County police told Newsday then. 

By Joshua Needelman

joshua.needelman@newsday.com

Joshua Needelman covers the Town of North Hempstead for Newsday. A Long Island native and University of Maryland graduate, his work has appeared in publications including The New York Times and The Washington Post.