The Dutchess County Sheriff's Office says it's hearing about more phone scams involving a person impersonating a police officer that was first reported in Putnam County last week.

The sheriff says the latest involves someone calling and identifying themselves as "Dutchess County Sgt. Cook" and attempting to get money by claiming the victim needs to pay to avoid criminal charges.

The sheriff's office says legitimate law enforcement would never do that.

Deputies say other popular scams will use people's emotions to get money, telling them a loved one is in trouble.

Here are some tips:

- Confirm first if a relative is in trouble. Call other family members or police.

- Ask the person on the phone for a call back number or ask to speak to their supervisor. If it's a scam, they'll probably offer a bogus number or just hang up.

- If someone says you've won money but have to pay first to process it - it's too good to be true.

· If you receive an email about an order you didn't place or asking you to send money call the company using a legitimate number. DO NOT follow the instructions in the email, click on any links in the email, or call the number provided in the email.

· If someone asks you to purchase merchandise, transfer money, provide bank information, or enter a code given to you by them use caution as it is likely a scam.

· Do not meet up with someone that you don't know; if you're asked to do this it is surely a scam, and it is very dangerous as well.

· If you're contacted by someone you don't know asking for money, for any reason, that's a signal that it's most likely a scam.

· Sending money overseas is especially risky; use extreme caution.

· If there's any doubt about a phone call or email you've received contact the Sheriff's Office before sending any money.

· Scams tend to increase during the holiday season, be especially alert for them during those times.

It is very important to not send any money to anyone that you don't know until you've confirmed the situation through an independent source and feel comfortable with it. If it's a scam once the money is sent it's very difficult, and most times impossible, to get it back.

MORE: Additional tips to download from sheriff's office

MORE: Additional tips to download from sheriff's office