Ulster County Consumer Affairs Warn of Extortion Scams

If you live in the Ulster County area make sure you're paying attention to the phone calls you're receiving.

In a press release the Ulster County District Attorney’s Division of Consumer Affairs is warning residence of on going extortion scams.

The Ulster County District Attorney Division of Consumer Affairs says that scammers may be calling using tactics such as threatening phone calls or emails to collect money from unsuspecting individuals.

If you are to recieve one of these phone calls or emails Consumer Affairs advises that you follow the following protocol:

•       Do not be pressured by a threatening caller.
•       A government agency or legitimate company will never ask you to pay by unusual methods such as by gift or store cards, iTunes vouchers, wire transfers or Bitcoins.
•       Do not respond to suspicious messages, texts or emails. If you do, the scammers will likely escalate their intimidation and attempts to get your money.

They also suggest that you file a complaint to the FBI.