COUDERSPORT — Coudersport-based state police are warning residents about a new scam call.

According to police, the phone call is an automated message in which the scammer states that the call recipient’s social media accounts are going to be suspended due to suspicious and/or fraudulent activity and the person is going to be arrested if they don’t press 1 to speak to an officer.

Other scams that state police are seeing include a call saying a family member was arrested in a foreign/distant location and needs bail posted, a call saying the recipient is a lottery or sweepstakes winner in a contest the person did not enter, a call saying the recipient will receive an inheritance or financial windfall and must pay taxes to collect, or a call saying the recipient has to “wire” money through Western Union, MoneyGram or prepaid debit or gift cards for a variety of reasons.

Police stated that scammers are using an automatic dialing device, spoofing caller ID to make the recipient think the call is local or from someone they know. Anyone who receives an automatic call they were not expecting is advised to hang up and never give personal information over the phone.

All smartphone owners are advised to download an application to block unsolicited phone calls. Verizon wireless offers Call Filter. Different settings are available for this app and similar apps.

Anyone who falls victim to a scam is asked to contact the police as soon as possible. Delays may result in the person’s money leaving the country and there being no chance at recovery or arrest.

Anyone who receives a scam call who did not fall victim to a financial loss who wishes to report the call can contact attorney general consumer protection at 800-441-2555.