Vacation Home Used To Scam $1K From Somerset County Couple

BEDMINSTER, NJ — A summer vacation home is being used to scam locals out of money, according to the Bedminster Police blotter.

On Aug. 10 around 11:55 a.m., a resident of Somerset reported the scam with a vacation rental property.

The resident said on May 22 his wife corresponded via e-mail with someone who purported to be named “Scott Maselli” regarding renting a vacation property in Point Pleasant Beach, according to the blotter.

She was provided instructions to wire money to a Bank of America Account number. On May 23 they wired $1,100 to a Bank of America branch in Charlotte, NC from the branch in Pluckemin. After a few weeks they became suspicious and drove down to the address in Point Pleasant Beach.

They spoke to the realtor who advised this was a scam that has unfortunately being occurring frequently at that address for the past six years, according to police.

Other police blotter items:

On Aug. 13 at 3:55 p.m., Bedminster Police were traveling westbound on Lamington Road when an Audi A4 was observed traveling eastbound at a high rate of speed. Subsequent to the investigation, Michael Kurtz, 31 of Fairbanks Lane in Basking Ridge was arrested for possession of less than 50 grams of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. Kurtz was also issued motor vehicle summonses for speeding and possession of CDS in a motor vehicle.

(Image via Shutterstock)

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