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WILKES-BARRE — The county district attorney Wednesday warned of an automated phone scam gaining traction in the state that threatens the public with dire allegations and arrest.
Luzerne County District Attorney Stefanie Salavantis said her office has received word that members of the public are being contacted with a recorded message that warns the listener that “serious allegations” have been pressed against them and they “will be taken into custody by the local cops.”
The message instructs the listener to call 914-373-7168 — a number based in West Chester County, New York. Similar complaints of false vehicle warranties, IRS collections and cruises have been linked to the same number, she said.
Salavantis reminded residents that “under no circumstance” will an automated system be used to notify people of criminal charges in Luzerne County. Defendants who aren’t immediately taken into custody by police are notified of any charges by mail as designated by law, she said.
“Unfortunately, these scams are becoming more prevalent,” said Salavantis, noting calls often originate from foreign countries making them difficult to investigate and prosecute. On behalf of local police, she urged the public to “take extreme care when dealing with these types of calls.”
She said the information on the phone number has been turned over to the FBI.
Similarly, the IRS reminds consumers the agency will never call to demand immediate payment, ask for credit or debit card information, or threaten to bring in local police.