HUNTERDON COUNTY, NJ — The Hunterdon County Prosecutor’s Office and Hunterdon County Sheriff’s Office are urging residents to stay vigilant against phone scams that continue to target individuals locally and across the nation.
According to authorities, scammers are employing various tactics, including posing as law enforcement officers, government officials, or tech support representatives to gain access to personal information or devices. Senior citizens are often the primary targets of these fraudulent calls.
Scammers have also been reported impersonating charities, sending fake emails or texts that appear to be from legitimate institutions such as banks or social media platforms, and requesting sensitive information like passwords, credit card details, or Social Security numbers. Officials emphasize that no legitimate business or government agency will demand cryptocurrency as payment.
Residents are advised to take precautionary measures:
- If contacted by someone claiming to be law enforcement, hang up and call the agency directly to verify the claim.
- Be wary of claims that a family member is in legal trouble or has outstanding warrants. Verify with the family member or the agency in question.
- Avoid clicking on links in unsolicited emails or texts.
- Never share personal information, including Social Security numbers, dates of birth, bank accounts, or credit card numbers, with unknown callers.
- Do not give money to individuals claiming to be Uber or courier drivers.
Authorities urge anyone who suspects they have been scammed to contact their local police department immediately.
