Schuyler County Attorney Warns Residents of Rising Text and Phone Scams

Schuyler County Attorney Steven J. Getman is alerting residents to a surge in fraudulent text messages, phone calls, and websites targeting New Yorkers.

“Scammers are impersonating government agencies, such as the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and E-Z Pass, or posing as law enforcement to demand payment for fake traffic tickets, E-ZPass fees, or alleged jury service delinquencies,” Getman said.

“These scams aim to steal money and personal information for identity theft and account takeovers.”

According to Getman, scammers use fake texts, calls, and websites designed to appear official, pressuring victims to pay quickly to avoid penalties like driver's license suspension or arrest. These fraudulent communications often include poor spelling, bad grammar, or threatening language. The DMV and E-ZPass do not send texts demanding payment for outstanding balances.

State officials, including the DMV, Thruway Authority, and Department of State, issued warnings on Thursday (August 14) about these deceptive tactics. A recent case in nearby Steuben County involved a resident receiving a call from someone claiming to be a police officer, demanding payment via text voucher to avoid arrest for alleged jury service delinquency.

Schuyler County residents can protect themselves by following these recommendations from state officials:

• Be Cautious: Do not click links in texts or emails claiming to be from trusted sources if you have any doubts.
• Verify Websites: Legitimate communications only direct to official DMV (dmv.ny.gov) or E-ZPass (e-zpassny.com) websites. Check URLs carefully.
• Spot Red Flags: Look for poor spelling, grammar, or urgent threats in messages.
• Protect Personal Information: Legitimate agencies do not request sensitive information via email or text.

The Department of State's Division of Consumer Protection also advises:

• Use unique, complex passwords for each account.
• Enable extra security like fingerprint or facial recognition.
• Avoid saving passwords on devices or clicking free download links from pop-up ads. dos.ny.gov/consumer-protection

If you suspect your account has been compromised:

• Update passwords for all affected accounts and contact your email provider if necessary.
• Report unauthorized charges to your bank or credit card provider.
• Warn friends and family about suspicious messages from your compromised accounts.
• Contact Experian, Equifax, or TransUnion to place a fraud alert or security freeze on your credit report.
• File reports with the Federal Trade Commission at ftc.gov and identity theft cases at identitytheft.gov.

Getman urges residents to stay vigilant, verify communications, and report suspicious activity promptly to protect themselves and their community.

Schuyler County urges those who believe they are victims of a scam to contact the Schuyler County Sheriff’s Office at 607-535-8222 or in an emergency dial 911. Outside of Schuyler County, complaints can be filed with any local law enforcement agency or to the New York State Consumer Frauds Bureau by calling 1-800-771-7755.

Drug Company Sandoz to pay up to $38,000 in settlement with Schuyler County related to opioid crisis

 

A New Jersey pharmaceutical company and its affiliates will pay Schuyler County up to $38,000 to settle claims it contributed to the ongoing opioid crisis in that county, under a resolution approved by the Schuyler County Legislature.

 

Meeting on Monday (August 11), the legislature voted to accept the settlement and authorized Schuyler County Attorney Steven Getman to execute the necessary legal documents. 

 

According to the resolution, Sandoz, Inc. and several related entities (Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, Novartis AG, Sandoz International GmbH, Novartis Manufacturing LLC, Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Inc., Novartis Corporation, and Novartis Consumer Health),  agreed to the settlement with the county in exchange for being released from a pending lawsuit filed by the county, as well as claims brought by other participating local governments nationwide.

 

The agreement calls for a one-time payment to be issued in 2026 and the funds are to be used solely for opioid remediation and abatement, Getman said. 

 

According to Getman, the funds can be used for a variety of purposes.

 

“Potential uses may include supporting  police and  first  responders, treating opioid  addiction,  funding social services and similar anti-drug efforts,” Getman explained.

 

The motion authorizing Getman to accept the settlement was made by County Legislator Phil Barnes (R-District VI) and seconded by Legislator Mark Rondinaro (R-District VII).

 

The Sandoz agreement is the latest opioid settlement Schuyler County has been a part of in the past seven years.  In 2021, the county legislature authorized Getman to accept up to $121,000 from Johnson & Johnson and up to $546,000 from distributors McKesson Corporation, Cardinal Health Inc. and Amerisource Bergen Drug Corporation to treat, reduce and prevent opioid use through a court settlement with the opioid maker.  A similar agreement, for $41,000, was obtained from defendant Actavis, Inc. in early 2022.   In 2023, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. and its subsidiaries agreed to a settlement with the county that resulted in payments up to $116,000 to settle claims that company contributed to the ongoing opioid crisis.

 

The settlements stem from a 2018 lawsuit the county filed against approximately thirty defendants, including some of the biggest names in the pharmaceutical industry. The lawsuit alleged the defendants had long known that opioids were addictive and subject to abuse, particularly when used long-term for chronic non-cancer pain, and should not be used except as a last resort. However, the lawsuit stated, the defendants spent hundreds of millions of dollars disseminating scientific materials and advertising that misrepresented the risks of opioids’ long-term use.   In 2023, the county filed an amended complaint to include in the action supplemental defendants and causes of action.

 

Schuyler County was one of many local governments that filed lawsuits against the manufacturers and distributors of opioid pain killers. At least 14 counties across New York sued the pharmaceutical companies for fraudulent marketing practices.

 

Schuyler County’s lawsuit against other defendants remains pending, Getman said, with the possibility of more settlements and additional funding to the county still to come.  

 

Said Getman: “One cannot put a price on lives lost and families torn apart, but with the more than $862,000 expected to be delivered to Schuyler County from these lawsuits, we can provide the county with financial assistance to continue this battle and hold these companies responsible for their role in the opioid epidemic.”

 

County Administrator M. Shawn Rosno agreed: "County officials have expended significant resources to help its residents battle opioid addiction and prevent further deaths. By voting to go forward with this latest settlement, the County Legislature hopes to lessen the burden to taxpayers for expenses related to the opioid crisis."

 

According to a February 2025 report by the National League of Cities, the national opioid settlements have directly allocated funds to thousands of state and local governments across the United States, enabling cities and counties to invest funds in evidence-based solutions to address their community’s needs.

 

“It is possible that reductions in drug overdose deaths are associated with the opioid settlement payouts as localities start funding strategies to support treatment and recovery,” the report noted.

 

Under the settlement, Sandoz does not admit liability or wrongdoing.

 

Sandoz, a subsidiary of Sandoz Group AG, is a generic pharmaceutical company which develops, manufactures and distributes and sells a range of prescription medicines and protein and biosimilars worldwide. The company also provides intermediary products including active pharmaceutical ingredients, and biotechnology manufacturing services to other companies. It provides active ingredients and pharmaceuticals in the areas of dermatology, cancer, cardiovascular, respiratory, metabolism, central nervous system, pain, ophthalmic, gastrointestinal, and hormonal therapies. Sandoz distributes products to wholesalers, pharmacies, hospitals, and other healthcare outlets. Sandoz is headquartered in Princeton, New Jersey, the US.

 

A complete copy of Schuyler County’s lawsuit can be found here: https://tinyurl.com/5auyrmdc

 

A copy of the county’s resolution approving the settlement can be found here: https://tinyurl.com/sandozschuyler

Second Amendment Legal Update, August 2025

A monthly update, prepared for the Schuyler County Chapter of S.C.O.P.E. NY, a statewide 501(c)4 organization dedicated to preserving the 2nd Amendment rights for the residents of New York State. For a complete copy of this month’s report, click here.

Schuyler County American Red Cross Blood Drive – July 22, 2025

Schuyler County government will be hosting an American Red Cross Blood Drive on Tuesday, July 22, 2025.

The event will be held between 9:30am - 2:30pm at the county’s Human Services Complex, Conference Room #120, in Montour Falls.

Interested donors can schedule an appointment by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS or visiting RedCrossBlood.org.

Donors who give blood between July 15 and 31 may receive a Fandango Movie Reward by email: rcblood.org/July

Schuyler County announces change in tax foreclosure filing date(s) and help for property owners.

Schuyler County Officials are notifying all persons owing back property taxes of a significant change in New York State’s filing date for counties to commence real property tax foreclosures.  They also want delinquent property owners to know that there may be options to avoid foreclosure, including installment agreements and legal assistance.

According to Schuyler County Treasurer Holley Sokolowski and Schuyler County Attorney Steven Getman, the date for filing Notices and Petitions in Schuyler County tax foreclosure cases has been changed from November to July, due to changes in New York State Real Property Tax Law.

“This change affects property owners with outstanding tax obligations in Schuyler County,” Sokolowski said.  “Under the revised schedule, tax foreclosures for unpaid property taxes, including town, county and school taxes, will now be filed and served in July of each year, rather than the previous November date.”

“Property owners with delinquent taxes are urged to act promptly to avoid additional penalties, interest, or even loss of your real property.   We want to avoid people losing their homes whenever possible.”

According to Getman, the change was signed into law in 2024 by Gov. Kathy Hochul.  He stressed that the change will not affect property owners who have paid their taxes, but only those properties where taxes are unpaid for at least eighteen months.

“We encourage all delinquent property owners to review their tax status and make payments as soon as possible to avoid further financial penalties or loss of their homes,” said Getman. “Schuyler County is committed to assisting residents in navigating this change and ensuring compliance with the new deadline.”

Sokolowski agreed, stating “the Treasurer’s Office is here to support residents in maintaining compliance and protecting their property.”

Sokolowski said her office offers several options to assist eligible property owners facing challenges in paying delinquent taxes:

• Installment Agreements: Property owners may contact the Schuyler County Treasurer’s Office to explore monthly installment agreements, which can divide tax payments into manageable amounts, particularly for those on fixed incomes.
• Redemption Period: Property owners can redeem their property by paying all delinquent taxes, interest, and fees before the expiration of the redemption period, which is typically February of the following year.
• Surplus Funds: In the event of a tax foreclosure sale, property owners may be eligible to claim surplus funds.

According to Getman, for property owners needing legal guidance to address delinquent taxes or potential foreclosure proceedings, the following resources are available:

• Legal Assistance of Western New York, Inc.: Provides free legal aid for eligible low-income residents in Schuyler County in certain cases. Visit www.lawny.org for more information.

• New York State Courts Electronic Filing System (NYSCEF): For those involved in foreclosure proceedings, legal documents can be accessed and filed electronically. Visit http://www.nycourts.gov/efile-unrepresented for details.

• Local Attorney Consultation: Property owners with back taxes are encouraged to consult with a qualified attorney to explore options such as filing an answer to the petition or negotiating payment plans. Property owners may contact the New York State Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service (1-800-342-3661) to locate a qualified local attorney.

“It's the job of the county to collect taxes, but the main focus here is keeping people on their property and in their homes," Getman said.  “We do not want anyone surprised by this change in New York State law.”

As County Treasurer, Sokolowski is the chief fiscal officer of county government and enforcement officer for unpaid property tax liens. 

As County Attorney, Getman is the chief legal advisor for county government and responsible for the prosecution and defense of civil actions brought by and against the county, including tax matters.

Second Amendment Legal Update, July 2025

A monthly update, prepared for the Schuyler County Chapter of S.C.O.P.E. NY, a statewide 501(c)4 organization dedicated to preserving the 2nd Amendment rights for the residents of New York State. For a complete copy of this month’s report, click here.

New York State Legislature End-of-Session Update

During the week of June 15, the New York State Legislature completed its regular session, having given final two-house passage to a total of 856 bills.

The New York State Conference of Mayors has prepared a comprehensive municipal law summary, which includes bills that passed both houses and have an impact on local governments, as well as an update on the final status of several other bills of interest to municipalities that did not receive final passage.

For a complete copy of the summary, click here.

Schuyler County to host free boat safety inspection clinics June 27 and 28

Press release:

The Schuyler County Sheriff's Office Navigation Unit will be hosting two separate FREE boat safety inspection clinics to kick off the 2025 boating season.

The Boat Safety Inspections will be held at the public boat launch south of Glen Harbor Marina across from the Community Center in the Village of Watkins Glen on Friday, June 27th from 5pm to 8pm and Saturday, June 28th from 9am-12pm.

This is a free opportunity to have a boat of any kind inspected to ensure it meets all legal requirements for the upcoming boating season. A safety inspection form will be completed and given to the owner. No penalties for boats that do not pass inspection!

This is a great way to ensure boaters have all of the required safety equipment, learn about lifejacket safety or boating laws or the implementation of boater safety licenses for all NYS boaters and to ask any boating related questions of Marine Deputies.

The inspection process will include checking for:

-Approved life jackets
-Working fire extinguishers
-Approved floatation devices
-Approved sound producing devices
-Working engine blower fans (if required)
-Assist with proper placement of NYS registration numbers and registration stickers
-Battery and electrical connections
-Engine fuel and ventilation systems
-Registration and documentation

Marine Deputies can also answer questions about non-motorized boats and the requirements pertaining to them.

For more information, click on the link above.

Ovid votes to establish a local development corporation

The Finger Lakes Times:

The Ovid Town Board unanimously — and enthusiastically — created the Ovid Local Development Corp., with the goal of supporting efforts to rebuild the community’s downtown.

Town Supervisor Joe Borst said the LDC, and the group that has been meeting to create it, are positive signs that “good things are going to come” to Ovid in the future, even if it’s not clear quite yet what that means.

“They just don’t know at this point,” Borst said about the property and business owners who were affected by the Jan. 21 fire that started in an apartment over the Ovid Big M. “I think some of them are still working with their insurance companies. They could decide to rebuild and the (LDC) could help, or they could deed the property and the (LDC) could take over.”

The measure adopted Wednesday establishes a temporary board of directors that includes Ellen Smith, Bruce Murray, and Erik Holmberg. Borst said applications are still being accepted for a full board of directors and asked that anyone interested submit letters of intent.

The letters will be reviewed by two members each from the Ovid village and town boards. Preference will be given to Ovid residents and business owners.

Borst said there have been several meetings since the fire with those interested in helping recovery efforts, but things had gone as far as they could go without an entity like the agency being established. He said he was grateful that a group stepped up to the plate to do it.

Schuyler County officials recognize June 15, 2025 as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

The Schuyler County Legislature, the County Department of Social Services and the Office for the Aging have each announced their support for World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day was launched by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and the World Health Organization at the United Nations, and was officially recognized by the United Nations General Assembly in December 2012.

County officials have noted that elder abuse is a global, social, health and human rights issue that affects millions of older persons around the world and deserves the attention of the international community.

“It is our collective responsibility to provide for safe and secure communities and living environments for our seniors, and to encourage reporting of any suspected abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation to the Schuyler County Adult Protective Services, as well as law enforcement agencies, for investigation, and intervention,” states a resolution of the Schuyler County Legislature.

In order to promote awareness of elder abuse, the Schuyler County Office for the Aging asks all county residents to wear something purple on Sunday, June 15.

Elder abuse is a significant public health problem. Survivors suffer higher levels of psychological distress, are twice as likely to be hospitalized and face greater risk of an early death than other seniors.

A copy of the Schuyler County Legislature’s proclamation, “Declare June 15, 2025 as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day,” appears below.

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day Resolution-Schuyler County, New York by Steven Getman