Parsippany Police Warn Of Immigration, IRS Scams

PARSIPPANY, NJ - The Parsippany Police are warning residents to be alert and not to be deceived by phone scammers.

"We have seen an increase of people being victimized by these scammers who usually request for you go to specific stores and purchase iTunes Gift Cards, Green Dot MoneyPak Cards, or other big box stores gift cards," Parsippany Police posted to social media. "The scammer usually states that if you fail to purchase these gift cards and give them the credit card information, the police will immediately arrest you."

According to police, some of these callers claim to be from the IRS, Immigration, or some other type of government agency. They often engage and try to get personal information, claim the victim has an outstanding warrant or fine and request payment in lieu of immediate arrest.

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

Police noted that residents are losing thousands of dollars to these scammers and that in 2016 residents were scammed out of more than $100,000.

"Please do not be a victim. Government agencies do not accept payment via gift card or threatens immediate arrest unless a payment is made over the phone," police said. "If you do become a victim, please contact us at our non-emergency number 973-263-4300."

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