ROCHESTER, N.Y. -- Authorities are asking residents to be on alert for con artists during the holiday season.
Authorities say thieves use all kinds of clever schemes to defraud people.
Gates Police say scammers are using fake caller ID information to trick people into thinking they are someone who can be trusted.
The latest scams involve people soliciting money for the New York State Chiefs of Police Association as well as con artists pretending to be the IRS.
Police say that you should avoid giving out or confirming your personal information over the phone.
Package thefts are another problem this time of year. Criminals go house to house and even follow delivery trucks.
Authorities recommend arranging for specific delivery times during the holiday season and adding the signature confirmation option for orders when applicable.