LUDLOW, Mass. (WWLP) - The Hampden County Sheriff's Office is warning residents of a new phone scheme targeting travelers. The Sheriff's Office says that a family member of the department was traveling abroad when they received a call from someone posing as a deputy. The con artist asked the person to verify their signature by signing it at a nearby electronic terminal. They say this scheme could be just as dangerous as giving up cash. Avoiding online schemes this holiday season In addition, schemers have also demanded money to resolve issues such as missed court appearances, jury duty, or to avoid arrest until an unspecified court case has been resolved. “All of these scams are aimed at using a fear of being on the wrong side of the law to coerce people to give up their hard-earned money. And we only expect these scams to increase as the holidays approach,” Sheriff Cocchi said. “Law enforcement will never call you to settle a warrant or to solicit money for any reason. If you get one of these calls, hang up.” The Sheriff's Office will never perform this kind of business over the phone or electronically. If there is a serious matter, a uniformed deputy will see you in person. If you receive a call like this, hang up and report it to your local police department. Local News Headlines Great Barrington brush fire burns estimated 1,100 acres West Springfield man sentenced in child rape case Adams deadly pedestrian crash victim identified Ware Police searching for Quabbin Reservoir, playground vandalism suspect WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.