Teens Have Been Swindling People Exiting Hoboken Trains At Rush Hour: Police

HOBOKEN, NJ — Hoboken residents are still getting duped by two particular scams, including one perpetrated by young people, the Hoboken police warned this week.

Last December, the police sent a message to the community about people who ask for Venmo or Zelle information, supposedly for charity. In a new release this week, the police said the scammers appear to be teenagers.

"Hoboken Police are currently investigating several recent incidents where unknown teenaged males approach potential victims claiming they are accepting donations to local charities through Zelle or Venmo only. If the victim agrees to donate, the suspect requests their phone to enter his account information into the app."

Then, the teen sends the money to whomever he wants.

Police said that the suspects often wait for people to exit the train terminal during rush hour.

Police had mentioned in December that four Hoboken residents had been scammed recently in this way. A Hoboken police spokesperson said this week that that people are still being duped.

"This type of crime has been reported throughout the county and region," police said. "Here in Hoboken, incidents have occurred at or near the New Jersey Transit Terminal, on Washington Street, and at the entrance of Pier A Park."

The Hoboken Police Department is working with the New Jersey Transit Police Department to identify the suspects. Members of the public approached in this manner are asked to contact Hoboken PD at 201-420-2100 or NJT PD at 973-378-6565.

Another Scam

In another scam, a person asks victims to deposit a check in their ATM, then takes the cash. Later, the victim finds out the check was fraudulent.

Police said they are investigating "at least four incidents" of this type of theft.

"This type of crime is on the rise across the region and if you get approached in this manner, contact the local police immediately," they said. "If you become a victim of either of these, or similar crimes, report it immediately to your local police department then file a report with one of these [below] agencies."

FTC.gov: The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is a free, one-stop resource at www.identitytheft.gov to report and get assistance with recovering from identity theft. You can also report fraud to the FTC.

SSA.gov: If you believe someone is using your Social Security number, or has committed fraud using your SSN, contact the Social Security Administration (SSA) fraud hotline at 1-800-269-0271 or www.ssa.gov/fraud.

IC3.gov: If you are a victim of online crime, you can file a complaint with the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at www.IC3.gov.