HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. (Warren County) — The Hackettstown Police Department is warning residents about a phone scam in which callers impersonate well-known companies and, in some cases, spoof the department’s phone number to appear legitimate.
Police said scammers are posing as representatives from companies including Verizon, Chase Bank and Fulton Bank, claiming there is a problem with a customer’s account and attempting to obtain personal or financial information.
According to police, the scammers have created fake company websites and have used caller ID spoofing to make it appear as though calls are originating from Hackettstown Police Department headquarters, even though they are coming from a different number.
The department is reminding residents never to provide personal, banking or account information to someone who calls unexpectedly.
Police also advise anyone who receives a suspicious call to hang up immediately and contact the company directly using the phone number listed on a bank card, account statement or the company’s official website, rather than any number provided by the caller.
Officials emphasized that caller ID can be spoofed and should not be relied upon as proof of a caller’s identity.
