Protect your cash, important warning from Erie County

Don't be fooled by scammers using "spoof" numbers mirroring county government, that's the warning from Erie County Officials.

The Erie County Executive's Office is putting the public on notice after receiving reports of, "government imposter" telephone scams.  The alleged scam involves incoming telemarketing "spoof" numbers that appear to be coming from an agency within county government.

The recent calls involve the use of phone numbers that appear to be from the (716) area code with 8-5-8 as the first three digits.  Residents with caller I.D. report seeing the label "Erie-County, Of" on their screens.

According to a news release issued by the County Executive's Office, "the alleged scams involves offers that promise lottery winnings if you pay "taxes" or other fees to have the money released and threats of arrest or the filing of a lawsuit if you do not pay a supposed debt."