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Police Warn Residents Beware of Old and New Scams

Police have warned of new scams against law-abiding citizens.

Police have warned of new scams against law-abiding citizens.

PERTH AMBOY – The Perth Amboy Police Department is warning residents of three types of phone scams. In each of these, a caller demands payment using a prepaid debit card or money order. The scams are  as follows:

HOSTAGE SCAM: The caller states that they are holding a family member hostage an demands money for their release, using a prepaid debit card, money order or green dot money pack.

What You Should Do: DO NOT  PROVIDE any personal information to the caller or respond to any texts or emails. Ask the name of the relative they are calling you about but do not provide them with any family members names. IMMEDIATELY contact that relative to  verify there are no problems. DO NOT SEND ANY MONEY! CONTACT THE POLICE DEPARTMENT FOR ASSISTANCE.

PSE&G AND ELIZABETH TOWN GAS PHONE SCAM: The resident receives a phone call, allegedly from PSE&G or Elizabeth Town Gas bill collectors,claiming that the individual’s utility bill is overdue and if payment is not made immediately, the power will be turned off. The caller then suggests payment be made through a debit card, money order or green dot money pack.

What You Should Do: Contact PSE&G or Elizabeth Town Gas, confirm the status of your account. DO NOT PROVIDE any personal information such as your account number or address. Report the incident to the police department. PSE&G and Elizabethtown Gas DO NOT SOLICIT BILL PAYMENT OVER THE PHONE!

IRS PHONE SCAM: The caller states that you owe money to the IRS and it must be paid promptly through a Green Dot Money Pack debit card wire transfer or the caller will tell you to go to your financial institution and withdraw a sum of money, then contact them once the transaction has been completed for further instructions. If the victim refuses to cooperate, they are then threatened with arrest, deportation or suspension of business or driver’s license.

What You Should Do: Remain calm; DO NOT PROVIDE a caller with personal information. Contact the IRS at 1-800-366-4484 and report the incident. In addition to reporting it to the IRS, also report the incident to the police department. REMEMBER the IRS FIRST CONTACT WITH TAXPAYERS ON A TAX ISSUED IS LIKELY TO OCCUR VIA MAIL.

IF YOU BELIEVE YOU ARE A VICTIM OF ANY OF THE ABOVE SCAMS, REMAIN CALM AND IMMEDIATELY CONTACT THE PERTH AMBOY POLICE DEPARTMENT AT (732)-442-4400.

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Safety Announcement

We are taking safety precautions in the City of Perth Amboy, and emphasize that it is important: IF YOU SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING!!
Report Suspicious Activity – Be Vigilant – STAY ALERT! Do not think that any call or report is too small. Don’t allow the actions of a few dictate your quality of life.
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