The Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents about a text message scam being conducted by criminals.

Authorities say scammers have been texting victims that one of their relatives has been seriously hurt or jailed and that they need money immediately.

In the latest scam, authorities say a criminal posed as “Sgt. Adam Harris” and sent the victim a text implying that they owe $5,000.

The sheriff’s office advises residents to not follow instructions in the text messages or click on any links. They also say misspelled words and confusing language commonly appear in scam emails and texts.