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PAINTED POST, N.Y. (WENY) -- Steuben County authorities are warning residents about a phone scam where callers pose as police officers and demand money.

On August 14, a woman from the Painted Post area reported receiving a call from someone claiming she had missed jury duty. The caller told her she would face arrest unless she paid fines using a text voucher.

Sheriff Jim Allard says this is a scam. Law enforcement will never ask for money over the phone to avoid arrest.

“If you get a call like this, don’t engage,” Allard said. “Hang up and contact 911 or your local police department.”

Officials remind the public that scam prevention is a community effort.

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