Be Aware Of These Scams, Lacey Police Say

LACEY, NJ — The Lacey Township Police Department provided warning of certain scams of which residents should be aware. The scams include people posing as law enforcement, the IRS and members of anti-virus companies.

With many conducted outside of the United States, Lacey police have little to no chance of identifying or arresting scammers. But here are a few that people should know, according to the agency.

• Victims are contacted by a person portraying a representative of McAfee or a similar computer anti-virus company. During the call, residents are told their computer has been compromised and the caller needs to access their computer info and online banking. This would allow the suspect to make transfers later from your bank account.
• Victims offer an item for sale online and are contacted by a potential buyer. The buyer forwards a check for an amount more than the selling price and are asked to forward the remaining funds to a third person. After cashing the check, the victim is informed by their bank that the check was fraudulent and the cash was removed from their account.
• Victims are contacted over the phone by a person posing as an agent with the IRS. The suspect says that the victim will be arrested because of a tax debt unless it's immediately satisfied. The victim is urged to purchase gift cards and provide the caller with the identification numbers.
• Victims are contacted by a suspect posing as law enforcement. The victim is advised that a relative was arrested and is seeking bail money. The caller asks the victim to provide credit-card info or purchase gift cards in the amount of the bail.

Lacey police would like the public to remember the following:

• Residents are urged to never supply personal information over the phone. Your financial institutes rarely conduct business over the phone and do not need your social security number because they already have it.
• Nobody ever forwards you a check for the sale of an item that is more than the asking price.
• The IRS, businesses and law enforcement do not accept gift cards as payment.
• Remember that social media provides criminals with your address, your habits, your birthday, your profession, and when you’re on vacation, along with photos of your children.

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