Male Claims to be ECSO Sergeant

Buffalo, NY – Erie County Sheriff Timothy B. Howard reports Deputy Mosier responded to complaints from a Collins woman about an individual who called her and falsely identified himself as a Sergeant John Scott from the Sheriff’s Office.  The man attempted to meet her so she could complete paperwork due to a missed court date and a bench warrant.  The imposter requested she call him back from a mobile device so he could track her phone.  The woman initially agreed to meet the individual at the Sheriff’s North Collins Substation but became suspicious and dialed 9-1-1. 

When Deputy Mosier met with the complainant, he called the number which the imposter left, and briefly spoke with a male subject, however, the subject hung up each time.

The incident has been turned over to the Detective Bureau for further investigation.

The Sheriff’s Office is warning the public of this imposter and recommends hanging up if they receive a similar call.  Individuals can call 716.858.2903 to verify a Sheriff’s Office representative needs to meet with an individual.  Also, Sheriff Howard invites citizens to utilize the public space at Sheriff’s substations when finalizing online transactions or meeting unfamiliar individuals.