Police Warn Of Phone Scam Impersonating Union County Sheriff's Officers

UNION COUNTY, NJ — Union County Sheriff Peter Corvelli is warning residents about an ongoing phone scam in which callers impersonate Sheriff's Officers and demand payment for "service of process" or "missed jury duty."

The warning comes as the latest reports show callers using the names of current and retired Union County Sheriff's Officers to make the demands seem legitimate.

Subscribe

The Union County Sheriff's Office said residents should remain cautious even when a caller identifies themselves using the name of an actual officer.

The agency said it will never call a resident and demand payment over the phone for any reason. That includes demands tied to service of process or jury duty, as well as requests for payment by gift card, wire transfer or cryptocurrency.

"These callers count on fear and urgency to get people to pay before they stop and think," Corvelli said. "No one from our office will ever call you and demand money. If you get a call like this, hang up."

The Sheriff's Office laid out several steps for residents who receive a suspicious call.

First, hang up and do not stay on the line or argue with the caller, even if the person uses the name of a real Sheriff's Officer. Residents also should not provide personal or financial information in response to an unsolicited call.

To verify whether someone is a Union County Sheriff's Officer, residents can contact the Sheriff's Office directly at 908-527-4450 during business hours.

The agency said residents should not use a phone number supplied by the caller or make a payment because the caller insists the matter is urgent.

Residents who believe they have been contacted by a scammer should report the incident to their local police department's non-emergency line.

The office also encouraged residents to discuss the scam with friends, family members and neighbors, particularly older relatives who may be targeted.

Have a news tip? Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com.