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Ramapo PD Warn Public of Phone Scam

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SUFFERN, NY – The Town of Ramapo Police Department are warning the public of a new phone scam targeting the public.

How does it work?

You get a text, call, or email from someone who says they’re with the government. They may claim to be a U.S. Marshal, saying you must pay a fine for missing jury duty. Or the IRS, saying that you owe thousands in back taxes. Some might threaten legal action, deportation, or arrest if you don’t pay up or give them your financial information. In other cases, it sounds less scary and more like your lucky day. The call, text, or email will say you’ve won a prize, the lottery, or a grant — but you need to pay some fees or taxes to get your winnings. These are all scams! Scammers will try to make it seem legitimate. They might give you a badge number, or even know information like the last four digits of your Social Security number. A Washington, D.C. area code on your caller ID also might seem convincing. But caller ID can be faked.

Some tips from the Ramapo PD on how you can better protect yourself from scams –

If someone calls, texts, or emails saying they’re with the government and you must pay, stop.

• Never send money — especially by gift card, cash reload card, or money transfer. No government agency will threaten you or demand payment this way.
• Don’t give out your personal or financial information to anyone who calls, texts, or emails.
• If you sent money to a government imposter, contact the company you used to send the money (gift card company, cash reload card company, or wire transfer service) and tell them it was a fraudulent transaction. Ask to have the transaction reversed if possible.
• Report it to the FTC at FTC.gov/complaint.

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Police/Fire/EMS

Stony Point Police Department Construction May Limit Public Access

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Construction is underway at the Stony Point Police Department, where improvements to the station’s entrance and surrounding walkways are expected to temporarily affect public access.

The project includes replacing the department’s front steps and entrance area, along with sections of the surrounding sidewalks. During construction, access to the station lobby and police desk may be limited or difficult.

Residents who need police services or assistance are encouraged to call the Stony Point Police Department at 845-786-2422. An officer will assist callers and provide further direction.

Anyone experiencing an emergency should continue to call 911.

Police officials thanked residents for their patience and cooperation as the construction work is completed.

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Police/Fire/EMS

Ramapo Police Halt Test of Advanced License Plate Reader Cameras

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Ramapo Police Chief Daniel Hyman announced that the department will not move forward with a planned test of a new generation of automated license plate reader (ALPR) cameras, citing privacy concerns and the need to balance law enforcement technology with constitutional protections.

Hyman said the technology being considered goes beyond the department’s existing fixed license plate readers. While current cameras primarily capture license plates to help identify wanted or stolen vehicles and assist with criminal investigations, the newer systems include advanced investigative analytics and vehicle-identification capabilities.

“Those capabilities can provide tremendous value to law enforcement, but they also raise legitimate questions about privacy and the appropriate limits of government technology,” Hyman said.

Hyman emphasized that the decision does not affect the traditional fixed LPR cameras currently used by the Ramapo Police Department and does not represent a rejection of license plate reader technology overall.

Instead, he said the department is exercising caution because of the expanded capabilities of the newer systems.

“Our responsibility is to protect both” public safety and constitutional protections, Hyman said.

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