10/08/2025
The Oneida County Sheriff’s Office would like to inform the public of an ongoing scam targeting community members.
How the Scam Works:
Scammers are calling individuals, falsely claiming to be from the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office or local Police Department. The caller often uses the name “Sgt Williams” and claims they can assist with pending legal matters or the release of someone from jail.
They then instruct the victim to send money, sometimes specifying payment apps such as Cash App, Zelle, Venmo, PayPal, or providing a physical location for payment.
Important Facts to Remember:
* The Oneida County Sheriff’s Office will NEVER call you to demand payment for fines or bail, nor ask you to send money using payment apps.
* Fines are assessed and collected only through the Court system in the appropriate jurisdiction.
* Bail is paid directly at the booking department via cash or credit card, with proper identification.
* The Sheriff’s Office Civil Division collects money for court-ordered civil judgments and income executions only as directed by a Court Order, and never through unsolicited phone calls.
What to Do If You Receive a Suspicious Call:
* Do NOT provide personal or financial information over the phone.
* Ask the caller for their name, contact number, and the address they are calling from.
* Tell them you need to verify their identity before continuing and that you will call them back.
* Report any suspicious calls to law enforcement by calling 315-736-0141. Wait until the end of the recording to speak with a dispatcher.
Stay Safe:
Scammers can sound convincing and may possess some of your personal details. Trust your instincts—if something feels off, it probably is. Protect your information and verify before taking any action.