Scammers Impersonate Somerset County Sheriff Workers: Police

SOMERSET COUNTY, NJ — Somerset County residents are being warned to watch out for a continuing phone scam that involves impersonating the county sheriff's office.

The callers claim to be an employee of the Somerset County Sheriff’s Office and then tell the resident they have an outstanding debt or warrant, Somerset County Sheriff Frank Provenzano said.

The caller threatens the resident to make a payment using a prepaid credit card, or they will be arrested and put in jail, Provenzano said.

Scammers may also try to get personal information from the resident or demand a Green Dot MoneyPak card to pay for false warrants, civil process fees, overdue IRS payments and non-appearance for jury duty.

"In the event these fraudulent calls are received, residents should never give their personal or financial information over the phone, nor should they arrange to meet someone to provide a prepaid credit card," said Provenzano.

Somerset County residents should notify local authorities or the Sheriff’s Office if they receive these calls. Any suspicious calls regarding the Somerset County Sheriff’s Office can be directed to 908-231-7140, ext. 9.

Have a news tip? Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com.

Get Patch breaking news alerts sent right to your phone with our new app. Download here.