BARNEGAT, N.J. – The Barnegat Township Police Department is warning residents about a new scam in which callers impersonate bank fraud department representatives and arrange to collect victims’ debit cards in person.
Police said New Jersey residents have reported receiving phone calls that appear to come from legitimate bank fraud lines due to “spoofed” phone numbers. During these calls, scammers may reference real, recent transactions from the victim’s account to build credibility, then claim that additional unauthorized out-of-state charges have been made.
Believing the calls to be genuine, victims are instructed to hand over their debit cards to a courier who supposedly will deliver them to the bank’s fraud department. Once obtained, police said the cards are used to make fraudulent withdrawals and purchases.
Authorities emphasized that legitimate banks will never send couriers to collect debit cards or request customers to surrender banking information. Residents are urged not to share personal or financial details over the phone and to verify any suspicious calls by contacting their bank directly using the number printed on their card.
Anyone who has been targeted or victimized by this scam is asked to contact the Barnegat Township Police Department.