BELVIDERE, N.J. (Warren County) — The Warren County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents about a phone scam in which callers impersonate law enforcement officers and falsely claim victims missed jury duty and face immediate arrest.
According to Sheriff James J. McDonald Sr., the scammer identifies himself as “Sgt. Vine” and tells victims they must travel to Belvidere to avoid arrest.
Officials said the calls often sound convincing, with a beep or brief delay at the beginning, and the caller may know the victim’s name.
The Sheriff’s Office noted that it does employ an individual with that name but emphasized that the office does not accept monetary payments over the phone.
Authorities are urging anyone who receives such a call not to provide personal information, follow the caller’s instructions or travel to any location at the caller’s request.
Instead, residents should hang up and contact the Warren County Sheriff’s Office directly to verify the legitimacy of the call.
The Sheriff’s Office said scammers continue to use increasingly sophisticated tactics to create a sense of urgency and pressure victims into complying with their demands.
Anyone with questions or who wishes to verify a suspicious call may contact the Warren County Sheriff’s Office at 908-475-6309.
