Scammer uses Niagara County Sheriff's name and photo to solicit 'donations'

Ben Joe, Niagara Gazette, Niagara Falls, N.Y.
·1 min read

May 21—A scammer is using Niagara County Sheriff Michael Filicetti's identity to ask for "donations" from community members via text message.

A post went up on the Niagara County Sheriff's Office Facebook page Tuesday afternoon reporting that "a person claiming to be Sheriff Filicetti is reaching out to local residents via text message and requesting donations in the form of gift cards for various personal causes. This is a fraud — please do not respond to the messages or click on any links."

Screenshots of the scam show a picture of Filicetti along with the words, "This is Michael Filicetti, How are you?" and "I'm planning to surprise some of my family & friends with gifts on Facebook. Your contribution will be appreciated."

Filicetti could not be reached by phone later Tuesday. According to the post, the matter is under investigation.