Spike In Scams, $60K In Thefts Prompts Toms River Police Warning

TOMS RIVER, NJ — Scammers have stolen nearly $60,000 from Toms River residents in February, prompting Toms River police to again urge residents to be skeptical of any call demanding money.

From scammers demanding payment of Jersey Central Power & Light bills via gift cards to threats of arrest unless money is wired, the scams run the gamut, said Jillian Messina, media specialist for the Toms River Police Department.

In January Toms River detectives handled more than 60 fraud cases, and more than 60 in February as of Thursday, she said.

"Many of these calls are for identity theft," Messina said. "Of the February calls alone, 13 of them called for people to pay impersonators via gift card or wire transfer."

The victims were men and women and ranged in age from 21 to 84, she said. Gift card scams cost victims $20,250, and more than $37,000 was lost in wire transfers.

"Often most of the money lost usually ends up overseas and out of reach of law enforcement," she said.

Police are urging people to not give out information or respond to threats made by phone. If someone calls claiming they are from any government agency, any utility company or any service, hang up on them. Look up the number of the agency and call them directly if you have concerns about a bill being overdue or an issue with your personal information.

Toms River police offer the following reminders:

• NEVER give personal information over the phone
• NEVER give your full Social Security number over the phone
• NEVER give full credit card number over the phone
• NEVER give bank account number over the phone
• NEVER give remote access to your computer to companies
• NEVER pay anyone with gift cards EVER

They also are warning residents to beware of email scams. Often scammers send email that looks like it's coming from a legitimate company. Before responding, check the email address. If you have a concern, contact the company through its website.

Reminders:

• The Social Security Office will not call you to tell you your number has been frozen or otherwise compromised. If you have a concern, contact the Social Security Administration directly at 1-800-772-1213.
• JCP&L, New Jersey Natural Gas, Suez and any other utility company will not ask for payment using any kind of gift cards. Ever.
• With tax season, the IRS scam is common. The IRS will not call you and threaten to arrest you, and they will not demand payment over the phone. If you have concerns about your income tax return, you can call the IRS at 1-800-829-4933.
• If you have an issue with a computer being frozen by a company that will not release control unless you pay them, contact police, and contact a reputable computer repair facility.
• If you get a phone call from a number you do not recognize or a phone call from your own number, do not answer it.

If you feel you have been a victim of fraud, please contact the Toms River Police Department at 732-349-0150.

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