Broome Sheriff Says Beware of Bogus Calls

The Broome County Sheriff's Department is warning of a phone scam in which someone calls claiming to be a deputy with the civil office.

Officials say several people have received the calls from  a person who said they are  "Chief Civil Deputy Genter" with a claim that money is owed on a civil debt.  The caller says it must be paid immediately by money transfer, gift cards or "Moneypaks.".

The Sheriff's office says it is a scam, although there is a Deputy Genter at the Sheriff's office.   They say the scam sounds convincing and legitimate.  But the Department doesn't ask for funds over the phone.

They advise anyone who receives such a call demanding payment should not provide any personal information and hang up the phone.

Anyone who believes they've been a victim of the calls

is asked to call the Broome Sheriff's office at 778-1911 to file a complaint.