6 People Scammed In 2 Weeks Near Hoboken Train Station: Police

HOBOKEN, NJ — Six people have reported encounters with scammers on the Hoboken waterfront in the last two weeks, said a city public safety spokeswoman on Monday.

The scammers tell victims they're raising money for a charity, then ask to borrow the victim's phone in order to transfer the funds.

But they transfer more than the victim was willing to donate, police say.

The scams have all taken place in parks on the south waterfront, a block or two from the Hoboken Train Terminal.

Police released photos of "persons of interest" (see below).

"The Hoboken Police Department has received at least six reports of this type of Zelle/Venmo bank related scams over the last two weeks," said spokeswoman Marci Rubin. "These scams are considered a crime of opportunity, and the HPD believes the uptick may be associated with increased outdoor activity during the warmer weather, including greater use of parks and other public spaces."

Public Safety Director Ken Ferrante shared this update on social media:

"What you think is a good deed may be a direct deposit to someone else's account from yours," he said.

The same scam ramped up in late 2022, when police said four people were swindled in the same area.

Ferrante said in his video that some of the scammers claim their phone is dead and want to borrow the victim's device.

Ferrante said people can direct the person to the Hoboken police department (which is two blocks away at 106 Hudson St.)

Police released photos that they show "persons of interest" whom they would like to identify in connection with the investigation.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Det. Chelsea Tamborra at TamborraC@hobokenpdnj.gov or call 201-420-2100.