Somerset County Cops Warn Of Coronavirus Scam

SOMERSET COUNTY, NJ — Residents are being warned of a new scam using the new coronavirus to trick people into gaining access to their homes to steal, authorities said.

"Recently we alerted our residents of a scam that was passed onto us by federal and state officials regarding individuals posing as CDC [Center for Disease Control and Prevention] workers. Shortly after that post, a story arose in a local paper reporting that these incidents had occurred in Franklin Township. To clarify – The Franklin Township Police Department has had no reports of any incidents of this type. This scam alert was for informational purposes only, no one has reported any such incidents in Franklin Township," Franklin Police Lt. Philip Rizzo said.

People are going door-to-door identifying themselves as Center for Disease Control and Prevention workers and saying they are conducting a study referencing Coronavirus (COVID-19), Somerset County Sheriff Darrin Russo said.

"It's basically a distraction-type burglar theft. One person will talk to you about the virus, while the other makes his way through your house looking for things to steal," Russo said.

Residents are warned to not let anyone inside their home who claims to be a CDC employee. Instead, residents should contact their local police department immediately with a description of the people.

"It is a shame how some people will use tragic events and fear to further victimize people," Russo said. "Citizens must stay alert and report any suspicious activity."

• See Related: Coronavirus May Be 'Community-Spread' In NJ

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