Parsippany PD Sees 'Increase' In Phone Scammers: What To Know

PARSIPPANY, NJ — The Parsippany Police Department warned of an "increase" in phone scammers.

"Have you received a phone call from someone claiming to be from the U.S. Marshals, IRS, Immigration, or some other type of government agency?" the agency wrote on social media. "Have they told you your social security number is compromised? Have they tried to get personal information from you, advised you that you have an outstanding warrant or fine and requested payment in lieu of immediate arrest? You are not alone!"

Parsippany police have seen more people victimized by scammers, who usually request that people make a bank withdrawal. Then someone pick up the money, or they'll have the victim go to specific stores to purchase iTunes gift cards, Green Dot MoneyPak cards or other big-box store gift cards, police said.

Residents were scammed out of more than $100,000 in 2016, according to Parsippany PD.

"These scammers use different techniques, such as spoofing their caller ID names and numbers to make it appear as a legitimate call," the agency wrote. "When in doubt, hang up and locate their official number from their website or documents you may have and call that number."

Government agencies do not accept payments via gift card, and they don't threaten immediate arrest for a payment over the phone, police said.

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