(WNY News Now) – The Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office and Department of Mental Hygiene caution residents about fraudulent individuals posing as Social Services representatives, targeting vulnerable residents with false promises of free devices and coercive paperwork tactics.

The Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office and Department of Mental Hygiene have issued a scam alert after receiving numerous reports of individuals falsely claiming to be from the Department of Social Services. These imposters are going door to door offering free tablets and cell phones while requesting personal information like social security numbers, Medicare cards, and utility bills.

Additionally, some residents have reported strangers posing as Chautauqua County social services representatives, coercing them to sign paperwork to become their representative payee for social security income, threatening to stop social security payments if not complied with.

Authorities emphasize that these actions are scams and not part of Chautauqua County’s official procedures. They urge residents, especially the elderly, to remain vigilant and report any suspicious encounters to local law enforcement. Descriptions of individuals or vehicles involved should be provided when safe to do so.