TRENTON, NJ – Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo Onofri issued a warning to the public today regarding a phone scam that falsely claims to be from the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office.
Onofri’s office was notified of the scam by the Cranbury Township Police Department after a victim reported receiving a call from someone claiming to be “Sergeant Whitlock” from the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office. The scammer told the victim that they had a warrant for their arrest and instructed them to buy gift cards at a nearby drugstore.
Prosecutor Onofri reminded the public that law enforcement officers, government agencies, and courts will never ask for payment over the phone or ask for personal identifying information that could be used for fraudulent purposes. Scammers often research potential victims online and may use spoofed phone numbers to appear as if they are calling from a law enforcement agency. Spoofed phone numbers are typically done through a Virtual Private Network (VPN), making it difficult for law enforcement to track the actual caller.
Scammers may also threaten their victims with arrest for outstanding warrants or other legal issues. Prosecutor Onofri urged anyone who receives a call from a police department within Mercer County and/or the Prosecutor’s Office to confirm the caller’s identity. If someone believes they have received a scam call, they should hang up and call the main phone number to the police department or Prosecutor’s Office at (609) 989-6351. Legitimate callers can be verified by speaking with a police dispatcher or receptionist. Any scam calls should be reported to the local law enforcement agency.