More Fraud Reported In Nutley; Police Share 3 Ongoing Scams

NUTLEY, NJ — More scams and cases of fraud have been reported in Nutley, authorities announced Monday.

The Nutley Police Department released the following details about several recent incidents that took place in the township:

Nov. 9 (Fraud, Margaret Avenue) – “A victim of fraud responded to headquarters to document the incident. They stated they discovered an unauthorized check had been cashed that they did not write. The victim stated that they reported the incident to their bank. They were advised to monitor their financial accounts and report any discrepancies they observe. The victim was offered the opportunity to be entered as an Identity Theft Victim, but they declined at the time.”

Nov. 11 (Theft by Deception, Ackerman Street) – “A victim of fraud responded to headquarters to document the incident. They stated that they received a message from who they thought was an investment banker and sent money for them to invest. The victim stated they realized it was a scam when they could not withdraw any of the money and advised their bank of the incident. The Detective Bureau was advised.”

Nov. 12 (Fraud, Wilson Street) – “A victim of fraud responded to headquarters to report the incident. They stated they received a call from who they believed was a vendor from their employer and provided some pedigree information. The victim stated they received an alert that their email had been compromised, but at this time did not have any discrepancies with any of their financial accounts.”

Nov. 12 (Fraud, Pake Street) – “A resident responded to headquarters to document an incident of fraud. They stated they had sent a check in the mail to a plumbing company and were later notified of the outstanding balance due to the company not receiving the check. The victim stated they responded to their bank and were advised the check had been cashed. The victim informed the bank of the incident, and it was forwarded to their fraud department. The Detective Bureau was advised.”

Nov. 14 (Fraud, Bloomfield Avenue) – “A victim of fraud contacted headquarters to report the incident. They stated they observed unauthorized transactions on their account. They were advised to notify their bank of the incidents and check their financial accounts to see if there were any other discrepancies. They were offered the opportunity to be entered as an Identity Theft Victim, which they stated they wished to do so. The Detective Bureau was advised.”

Nov. 15 (Fraud, San Antonio Avenue) – “A victim of fraud responded to headquarters to document the incident. They stated they received a call from their bank to approve a wire transfer and advised the bank they did not request the transfer. The victim stated upon receiving the call they checked their account and observed an unauthorized account had been added. They advised their bank of the incident and stated they wished to be entered as an Identity Theft Victim.”

Nutley police also issued reminders about multiple ongoing scams that have been reported in the township. They included:

SPYWARE – Several residents have made reports of a scam where the actors email the victims reporting they have installed spyware on their phone. They tell the victims that with this spyware, they can access personal information including photos, contacts, addresses, and the like. The messages have all contained Google Maps images of the victims’ streets. The actors then demand the victims send money to a Bitcoin account or else they will send sensitive images on the phones to the victims’ friends and family. The Nutley Police Department is requesting residents be vigilant for this scam and not to send money to unknown parties. Residents are urged to contact police if they receive suspicious emails that request money to be sent to unknown individuals.

AMAZON – The following message was sent to residents repeatedly, hoping someone will click the link provided that has no connection to Amazon. The link directs the recipient to a fraudster attempting to obtain information to commit theft. Do not reply, if you believe there was an attempt on your account call the company directly (NOT WITH THE LINK OR NUMBER CONNECTED WITH THE NOTICE). The message reads: “Your Amazon account has been suspended, because we’re having some trouble with your current account information. Recover your Amazon account immediately > pxl.to/f60upx0as?=56166 Please take action on your account within 48 hours to avoid permanent suspension. Best Regards Amazon.Inc”

ARREST – Residents have reported a scam where the actor(s) contact the victim, identify themselves as being affiliated with law enforcement, and report a family member has been arrested. They instruct the victims to pay bail. The actor(s) have another party speak during the call claiming to be the family member allegedly incarcerated. Victims are instructed to leave the money in a specified area so that it can be collected. DO NOT provide money to individuals claiming to be law enforcement over the phone! Bail would be posted through the proper authorities at the appropriate venue. If you are contacted by someone advising a loved one has been arrested and needs bail who requests you leave the money contact police immediately!

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