Utility Company Phone Scam Targeting Wall Residents: Police

WALL, NJ - Several Wall Township residents and small businesses have been targeted by scammers claiming to be utility company representatives, authorities said.

The fraudulent callers have been identifying themselves as representatives of companies such as Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L) and New Jersey Natural Gas.

“These scammers impersonate utility company staff claiming to be collecting on late bills and
they may threaten to shut off your utilities,” Wall police said in a statement. “They may even falsify their caller ID information to make it appear as though the call is coming from a local telephone number. They will pressure you for immediate payment or personal information.

Residents are asked not to provide any personal information and disconnect the call.

“Generally, these scammers will ask you to pay by a prepaid debit card, this is a red flag,” police added. “Prepaid debit cards are like cash and the transactions cannot be reversed.”

Yet another scam that Wall police are warning of consists of an IRS scam in which fraudulent callers impersonate a representative from the service. While these scams are executed by contacting taxpayers by phone, email, text messages or social media channels, the real IRS will only contact taxpayers via US mail.

If you are unsure if you are speaking with a scammer, hang up the phone and contact the police department at 732-449-4500, the department said. An officer will be dispatched to your
residence to assist you in determining if a scammer called you.