NY Dept. of State scam warning
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NEW YORK -- New York's Department of State has issued a warning about a phone scam. The department says impersonators have been calling homes, identify themselves as Department of State staff and then asking about an outstanding case against them. The department says the scammers ask for Social Security numbers or payment for a fine either through a money order or direct deposit.
The Department of State confirms that it does not communicate by phone or e-mail without first sending a written confirmation of allegations.
The department has offered some tips to avoid falling victim to the scam. They suggest requiring the full name of the person calling along with a call back number, and request written confirmation of the fine.
If you receive one of these phone calls, you're asked to send an email to dosInetLcns@dos.ny.gov.
•Require the full name of the individual and a call back number to verify the information with the proper authorities.
•Request written confirmation of the purported fine from the government authority.
•Report the incident via e-mail to the Department of State at: dosInetLcns@dos.ny.gov