Utica, NY – Residents across Oneida County are being warned today about an ongoing phone scam in which callers falsely claim to represent the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office or local police, demanding immediate payment for bail or legal fees.
According to the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office, scammers are contacting community members and often identifying themselves as “Sgt. Thomas,” claiming they can help resolve pending legal matters or secure the release of a loved one from jail. Victims are allegedly told that a family member can be released with an ankle monitor for a reduced fee, sometimes less than the actual bail amount.
Investigators say many of the individuals scammers reference are only at the pre-arraignment stage, meaning no bail has been set at all. Despite this, callers pressure victims to act quickly and instruct them to send money through payment apps such as Cash App, Zelle, Venmo, or PayPal, or to deliver payment to a physical location.
The Sheriff’s Office emphasized several key facts residents should remember. Deputies will never call to demand payment for bail, fines, or legal matters, and they will not request money through mobile payment apps. All fines are assessed and collected only through the court system, and bail is paid in person at the booking department using approved methods such as cash, cashier’s check, or bond with proper identification.
Officials also noted that the Sheriff’s Office Civil Division only collects money for court-ordered civil judgments and never through unsolicited phone calls.
Anyone who receives a suspicious call is urged not to provide personal or financial information. Residents should ask for the caller’s name, contact number, and address, then hang up and report the incident by calling 315-736-0141 and waiting to speak with a dispatcher.
Authorities remind the public that scammers can sound convincing and may possess personal details. Trust your instincts—if something feels off, it likely is.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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