Multiple Scams Involving Fake JCPL Employees Reported

SAYREVILLE, NJ - Both the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office and the Sayreville police are warning residents about multiple scams involving people posing as JCP&L employees and trying to gain access to your home or get you to pay money over the phone.

In Sayreville, a resident of Kenneth Avenue reported a suspicious incident that happened Monday afternoon: At approximately 2:30 p.m., the resident said a black male in his early 30s, wearing dark clothes, came to his door, identified himself as a JCP&L employee and asked to be allowed into the home to check the fuse box in the basement.

The homeowner said "no," and the man left in a white Mercedes SUV. Police were called, but the man had already left the area.

"And at this time we are requesting borough residents to be aware and to report any such incidents," said Sayreville police.

And apparently, according to the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office, residents throughout the area are being inundated with calls from people posing as JCP&L workers.

"These scammers have recently targeted small businesses, including a salon, gym and a deli, with phone calls, posing as employees of Jersey Central Power & Light," said Prosecutor Christopher Gramiccioni in a statement. "You are advised you are past due on a bill, you are threatened with having your power shut-off, and you are given the opportunity to 'pay' your bill within a brief period of time to avoid any embarrassment or work stoppages. These phone calls have included demands for direct payments using a pre-paid debit card such as a Green Dot or MoneyPak card, reloadable debit cards or gift cards. If you receive a call like this, consider it a red flag that you are dealing with a con-artist and not a genuine representative of a legitimate company."

JCP&L will not call or email to demand immediate payment or threaten imminent shutoff, said Anthony Hurley, JCP&L's vice president of operations.

And JCP&L employees typically only visit a home in response to a service request. Employees always carry photo identification, wear uniforms and drive clearly marked vehicles, Hurley added.

Anyone who suspects they have received a scam call or solicitation should contact their local police department.

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