The Oneida County Sheriff’s Office would like to inform the…

The Oneida County Sheriff’s Office would like to inform the public of an ongoing “Bail Scam” targeting community members.

How the Scam WorksScammers are calling individuals and falsely claiming to be representatives of the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office or a local police department. Callers often use names such as “Sgt. Thomas” or “Lt. Bryant Moore” and claim they can assist with pending legal matters or secure the release of a family member or loved one from jail.

Families are commonly told that the individual in custody can be released with an ankle monitor for a fee that is significantly lower than the bail amount. In many of the reported cases, the incarcerated individual was recently booked, is pre-arraignment, and no bail has been set at that time, making the claim entirely false.

Caller ID SpoofingIn some cases, scammers use a technique known as caller ID spoofing. This allows them to manipulate the phone number that appears on your caller ID so it may look like the call is coming from the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office, a local police department, or another trusted government agency.

Even if your caller ID displays “Oneida County,” a familiar phone number, or a law enforcement agency, this does NOT mean the call is legitimate. Spoofed numbers are commonly used to gain trust, create confusion, and pressure victims into acting quickly before they can verify the information.

Scammers often instruct victims to send money immediately, frequently through payment applications such as Cash App, Zelle, Venmo, or PayPal, or by directing them to a physical location for payment. These calls are typically high-pressure and demand immediate action.

Important Facts to RememberThe Oneida County Sheriff’s Office will NEVER call you to demand payment for fines, bail, or legal matters, nor will we request payment through apps or electronic transfers.

Fines are assessed and collected only through the court system in the appropriate jurisdiction.

Bail is paid in person at the booking department using cash, cashier’s check, or bond, with proper identification.

The Sheriff’s Office Civil Division collects money only for court-ordered civil judgments and income executions, strictly as directed by a court order, and never through unsolicited phone calls.

What to Do If You Receive a Suspicious CallDo NOT provide personal or financial information over the phone.

Ask the caller for their name, contact number, and agency address.

Inform the caller that you will verify their identity independently and end the call.

Report suspicious calls to law enforcement by calling 315-736-0141.Please wait until the end of the recording to speak with a dispatcher.

Stay SafeScammers can be convincing and may already possess some of your personal information. Trust your instincts, if something feels off, it probably is. Always verify before taking action and never feel pressured to make immediate decisions involving money.

The Oneida County Sheriff’s Office appreciates the public’s vigilance and encourages residents to share this information with family and friends.