New York State Department of Health Warning of New Scam Making The Rounds

Another day, another scam.

NYS Department of Health Sends out Scam Alert

The New York State Department of Health has sent out an alert, warning New Yorkers or a new scam.

According to their post on social media "Telephone scammers are mimicking the Department!"

They go on to explain that some New Yorkers have been receiving phone calls from people identifying themselves as a Department of Health Employee. These fake DOH employees will then ask for information about a controlled substance prescription.

Making the situation even more confusing, your caller ID may even say the caller is from the Department of Health.

While the call "may sound legit," the NYS DOH stresses, it is not.

Look Out For These Scammer Tricks

The Official State of New York website explains that scammers "use various tactics, including deceit, coercion, intimidation, emotional abuse, undue influence and empty promises. "

They add that while anyone can be a scam victim of a scam, "certain vulnerable populations are more likely to be targeted by scammers" like senior citizens and consumers "overburdened with debt."

READ MORE: Elderly Scam Stopped on New York State Thruway

Scammers will use the power of persuasion like a fake investment opportunity and use buzz words like "the Federal Reserve Bank" or the  "New York State Banking Department to make their con more believable.

For a full list of tips to stay safe learn more at the Department of State Scam Prevention home page. 

All scams should be reported to the Federal Trade Commission website. 

Latest Scams Across New York State

Unfortunately, there is no shortage of scams across the Empire State.

Towards the end of October 2025, police in the Town of Chester were warning residents of a well known scam with a new twist.

According to authorities, locals were receiving calls from scammers telling them that their loved ones have been arrested and money was needed to bail them out. A common scammer trope.

However, this came with a twist. The victims would then get a follow up call from a "lawyer" asking for more payments.

The Town of Chester Police remind the community " Please do not divulge any personal information to anyone claiming to represent ANY law enforcement agency that is requesting money quickly."

Adding:

No legitimate law enforcement agency will EVER ask that of you.