Tax Scam Warning Issued In Brick

BRICK, NJ — Brick Township police and officials are warning of a scam targeting township residents in connection with property tax payments.

Residents have been receiving phone calls from people claiming to represent the township's tax collector, saying the person's property taxes are overdue and demanding immediate payment over the phone, town officials said.

"These calls are a scam. The Township will NEVER call and demand immediate tax payments over the phone, and we do not accept tax payments by phone," officials said.

When in doubt, hang up and call the township directly.

Do not provide any personal or financial information to anyone making these calls, town officials said.

The police department also issued the following reminders for people to protect themselves from scams:

• Do not give out personal information. Never share your Social Security number, bank account information, credit card numbers or other sensitive information with an unsolicited caller.
• Never rush into making a payment. Scammers often use threats, pressure and a sense of urgency to get you to act before you have time to think.
• Do not trust caller ID alone. Scammers can manipulate caller ID to make a call appear to come from a legitimate government office or phone number.
• Hang up and verify. If you have questions about your property taxes or payment status, contact the Township Tax Collector's Office directly using the official contact information listed on the Township's website.
• Do not follow payment instructions from suspicious callers. Be especially cautious if someone demands payment through gift cards, wire transfers, cryptocurrency or other unusual methods.

If you receive one of these calls, hang up immediately. If you have already provided personal or financial information or made a payment, contact your bank or credit card company promptly and report the incident to the police.

The township also urged residents to share the warning with friends, family and neighbors, "especially older residents who may be targeted by these types of scams."