Scammers Targeting Ocean Ride Customers, County Warns

TOMS RIVER, NJ — Ocean County officials are warning residents who use the Ocean Ride bus service about a new telephone scam.

Ocean Ride is Ocean County's public transportation system. It has 12 bus routes and offers service to senior citizens and those who use wheelchairs or have other mobility issues, to help them get around to doctors' appointments, go shopping and more.

Ocean County Commissioner Gary Quinn said scammers are pretending to be employees of Ocean Ride, calling people and asking for information, claiming their Ocean Ride accounts are overdue.

"We want our residents, especially our seniors, to be aware of scam calls that are claiming to be Ocean Ride employees looking for account information," Quinn said. "It is important for everyone to remember to never give out personal information at the request of the caller."

Ocean Ride staff will never initiate a call regarding payment of an overdue account, county officials said.

People should never give out credit card numbers, bank account numbers or Social Security numbers over the phone to callers.

"Unfortunately scammers have developed sophisticated systems that look as if a call is coming from Ocean County when it is not," said Joseph H. Vicari, director of the Board of Commissioners. "If the call does not sound legitimate, trust your instincts and reach out to Ocean Ride directly to verify."

Those who have any questions about their billing should contact Ocean Ride by calling 732-736-8989, ext. 1. More information on Ocean Ride is on the county's website.