Warren County sheriff warns of scam call posing as deputy, urging residents to stay vigilant
BELVIDERE, N.J. (Warren County) — Warren County Sheriff James J. McDonald Sr. is warning residents about a recent scam in which a caller posing as a sheriff’s deputy attempted to intimidate a local professional with false claims of legal trouble.
On June 23, a scammer identifying himself as “Deputy Joshua Hart” from the Warren County Sheriff’s Office contacted the victim and falsely claimed she had missed federal jury duty and faced immediate arrest unless she traveled to Belvidere, authorities said.
According to the sheriff’s office, key red flags included the caller sounding official but with a beep or delay at the start of the call, knowing the victim’s name and former address, and insisting she remain on the phone while driving. No money was requested, but the caller applied heavy pressure.
Sheriff McDonald urged residents not to share personal information or follow instructions from such callers. Instead, he advises hanging up and contacting the Warren County Sheriff’s Office directly at 908-475-6309 to verify the legitimacy of any such claims.
“Stay alert,” McDonald said. “Scammers are getting more sophisticated.”
