Albany Police warn of telephone scam with people posing as officers

The Albany Police Department is warning people about a phone scam in which the caller identifies themselves as a police officer.

Police received multiple calls on Monday reporting incidents where a male caller tells the person at the other end of the line that they have an outstanding warrant and they need to take care of it. The victims report that the caller tells them if payment is not made, they will be arrested.

Albany Police are reminding members of the community that officers will never ask for financial or credit card information over the phone. Anyone who receives one of these calls is asked to hang up immediately.

Here are some safety tips to avoid being a victim of a telephone scam:

• Never provide personal, credit, or banking information to an unknown person calling, texting or emailing them.
• Be aware of pressuring techniques, such as needing to give information on the spot.
• Call the Albany Police at 518-438-4000 if you believe someone is attempting to defraud them.