Devious Scammers Try A New Trick, Nearly Dupe Upstate Residents

Creative, cunning cons looking to steal your money and/or personal information have evolved their tactics and are now taking a unique approach in trying to dupe you.

Utica Police say they received calls from city residents this week notifying cops of the latest series of scam attempts, and what crooks are now doing is quite clever. They're pretending to be local police officials you may recognize by name, therefore assuming it's a real call.

Scammers are disguising their phone number, that's nothing new - but city residents have complained they gotten calls that register on their caller ID as 315-735-3301 - which is the main line number to the Utica Police Department. Not only did the call appear to be local, and from the UPD, but the caller also identified himself at Utica Police Chief Mark Williams, officials said.

Getty Images/iStockphoto

The target picked up on a foreign accent from the scammer, quickly realized it was a not a legitimate call and hung up, police said.

Utica Police shared information about the incident on social media, notifying local residents that if they receive a similar call that despite indications that may typically verify the call is legitimate, they are not.

"We are releasing to this information to advise the public that this occurring and that these are not legitimate calls.

If these calls are answered and the individual attempts to solicit anything, please immediately end the call," the UPD said on Facebook.

Credit - Canva

Anyone who receives a similar call, or has concerns about the attempted phone scam should contact Utica Police at 315-735-3301.

9 Of New York State's Most Wanted Criminals- August 2023

Below are individuals wanted by the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision's (DOCCS) Office of Special Investigations who have been designated as its Most Wanted Fugitives. They should be considered armed and dangerous. This list is current as of 8/01/2023:

NEVER attempt to apprehend a fugitive yourself. If you have information on the location of any of these fugitives, you can contact OSI 24 hours a day / 7 days a week to report it. All leads and tips are treated as confidential information.

If an immediate response is necessary, such as you see the wanted person at a location, please call “911” and report it to the police.

Stay At This Stunning Affordable Airbnb In Utica New York

Looking for a stunning place to stay right here in Utica New York? You'll love this Airbnb listing, and you'll love the price.

New York State's Ultimate Pizza Trail With 62 Stops

We decided to have ChatGPT, the magic A.I. of the internet, pick one pizza place in every single county in New York State. We asked ChatGPT to create the ultimate road trip choosing places that were historic, well reviewed, and very popular. Let us know on our station app how ChatGPT did. Here's that list of 62: