Staff at the Cattaraugus County Treasurer's Office have received complaints of an ongoing scam targeting area residents. Letters like the one attached have been sent claiming to be from the Tax Resolution Unit of Cattaraugus County Public Judgement Records; This is a scam. The letter attempts to scare residents to respond by stating “levying procedures will begin within 15 days of its receipt.”

This is not an official letter from Cattaraugus County or any other government agency. There is no such County agency, and it is believed this is an attempt to scam residents into paying a fake tax debt. There is a bold heading claiming the notice is a “Distraint Warrant” and a toll free number listed on the letter, which may lead recipients to believe this is a legitimate communication. This is a fraudulent notice from a fictitious agency and residents should not call the number.

What to Do

If individuals have received a similar letter, they should report it at (800) 771-7755 or https://ag.ny.gov/complaint-forms; specifically NYS Attorney General's form CEB001.

General Pointers Regarding Scams

Be aware of scams.  Remember, letters from legitimate businesses or tax authorities are clearly identified in their correspondence, location/mailing address, contact information. 

If someone calls by phone, and you suspect they are not your bank, or governmental authority or a legitimate business, hang up and call them back using a phone number you would normally use.  Don’t redial.

Never give out Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, or any other personal information to someone that calls you. 

If you get a letter to pay for a copy of your deed and taxes, please call the Cattaraugus County Clerk’s to obtain your copy. Please see the Clerk's FAQ page here.