More, Bolder Phone Scams Statewide says Sheriff's Association

CAMDEN, NJ - The past twelve months have brought a "significant increase" in the number of fraud cases throughout the state, according to the Sheriff’s Association of New Jersey (SANJ).

The SANJ warned that scammers are bold and inventive, often pretending to be members of law enforcement.

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"Fraudulant callers claim to be sheriff’s officers and have gone as far as spoofing the phone number of the local sheriff’s office to make their victims believe that the call is originating from a legitimate agency," said the organization.

It said fraudulant callers have many ways of attempting to pressure victims into providing personal information or paying fees.

"They often convince victims to withdraw money from the bank to avoid being arrested," said the SANJ. "Typically, in the scam, the caller tells the would-be victim that they missed jury duty or a court date or that there is a warrant for their arrest. The victim is then told they need to pay a fine in order to avoid arrest. Victims are instructed to stay on the phone with the caller as they go to the bank to withdraw funds. Then they are told to send the money via bitcoin, Zelle or Venmo."

The SANJ listed these other common scams:
• Email or phone call advising that your accounts have been hacked.
• Email or pop-up from Microsoft advising you that your computer has been hacked.
• Email or pop-up from the Geek squad claiming you owe money or have been hacked.
• A Facebook message that you have been hacked.
• Caller from a bank or other business claiming to update their records by asking for personal data.
• Caller claiming to be law enforcement, stating there is a warrant for your arrest.
• Caller claiming your grandchild was in an accident and needs bail money.

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"Any caller telling you to buy gift cards or submit money to a bitcoin or cash machine for payment is not legitimate," warned the SANJ. "Some scammers will tell you they need to get access to your computer to fix the problem. This is a ploy, and you should never allow anyone access to your computer."

The thing to do, if any suspicions are raised, is to immediately contact a family member or law enforcement, said the SANJ.

"If you have been scammed, report the incident to your County Sheriff’s Office or local law enforcement immediately," it said. "Remember to never share personal or financial information with any unknown individual. Members of the SANJ are committed to capturing these suspects and protecting the citizens of New Jersey from being victims in the future."

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