The New York State Police is warning the public of a telemarketing phone scam where the callers indicate they are calling from the Bureau of Criminal Investigation and request money to cover a bad debt or unpaid loan.

The callers have strong foreign accents, and represent themselves to be investigators or officers with the Bureau of Criminal Investigation or Cyber Crime Unit of the New York State Police. The callers request money, stating the money is needed to satisfy a loan, credit card, or cash advance debt owed to a collections company, usually called Advance Cash Net.  The phone numbers from which these individuals are calling appear on caller ID as legitimate New York State area phone numbers. They are not.  Additionally, the callers will often provide a legitimate law enforcement address in an effort to gain credibility.

The New York State Police does not engage in any kind of collections practice nor does it solicit or request money be paid regarding any unpaid debts. Recipients of unsolicited phone calls (or emails) should not share any personal information, such as birthdates, home addresses, phone numbers, social security numbers, bank account numbers, credit card numbers, or other personal or financial information, without verifying it is a legitimate interest with whom they conduct business.

Reports to the New York State Police indicate that these calls have been widely received New York State, as well as Colorado, Arkansas, North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, California, and Ohio.

If you have been a victim or recipient of this scam, please contact your local police or e-mail the New York State Police Tip Line at [email protected].

(YWN Desk – NYC)