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“Residents have received phone calls from individuals perpetrating this fraud who claim to be members of the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office or another state police agency,” Saudino told CLIFFVIEW PILOT. “They advise the potential victim that there is an arrest warrant issued in their name.”
Some targets have been told to call a specific number to speak with a detective assigned to their case, the sheriff said.
The scammers have said that they’re working with the Federal Crime Enforcement Network — which doesn’t exist.
It’s all bogus, the sheriff said.
“The message is typically pre-recorded, may be digitally altered and the may utilize the intended victim’s real name,” Saudino said.
Sheriff’s detectives and local police are investigating.
Meanwhile, Saudino urged citizens to NEVER give out personal information over the phone.
DO NOT use prepaid debit cards to send ANY caller money — especially if they claim to be from a government agency, he added.
“No government agency will tell you to make payments to them through a bank or wire transfer,” Saudino said, urging citizens not to hesitate to call police or his office (201-646-2222).
The BCSO also has a tips line: www.bergentip.com
“If you are being asked for your personal information from an unsolicited phone number, hang up immediately and notify your local authorities,” the sheriff said.
“It does not hurt for us to take the time necessary to verify these incidents.”
Bergen County Sheriff Michael Saudino
YOU READ IT HERE FIRST: The nation’s largest online database for authorities investigating the sales of stolen goods was officially launched today by Bergen County Sheriff Michael Saudino. READ MORE….
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