James B. Quattrone Sheriff at Chautauqua County | Official website
James B. Quattrone Sheriff at Chautauqua County | Official website
Chautauqua County officials have issued a warning to residents about deceptive scams targeting the community. According to reports, unknown individuals are engaging in fraudulent activities by posing as representatives of the Department of Social Services and deceiving residents into providing sensitive personal information.
In a statement, the Chautauqua County Sheriff's Office, in collaboration with the Department of Mental Hygiene and Social Services, emphasized the seriousness of the situation. They highlighted that imposters are going door to door claiming to distribute free tablets and cell phones, while actually soliciting personal information such as social security numbers and Medicare cards.
"It is crucial to emphasize that the Department of Social Services is not engaged in such activities, and residents are advised to exercise caution," said the authorities.
Another scam involves individuals coercing residents to sign paperwork designating Social Services as their representative payee for social security income. Residents are being misled into believing that non-compliance will lead to the cessation of their social security payments.
"We urge the public to promptly report any encounters with such individuals to their local law enforcement agency," stated Chautauqua County officials.
While the scams have primarily targeted elderly residents, officials stressed the importance of all community members remaining vigilant. They reiterated that these activities are unequivocally fraudulent and urged individuals to report any suspicious encounters.
Residents were advised to gather detailed descriptions of suspicious individuals or vehicles involved in these scams and report them to the authorities promptly. Chautauqua County reaffirmed its commitment to the safety and well-being of its residents, urging everyone to stay cautious and report any questionable activity.
For further inquiries or to report related incidents, individuals were encouraged to contact the Chautauqua County Sheriff's Office at (716) 753-4232.
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