HOWELL TOWNSHIP, N.J. — The Howell Township Police Department is warning residents about an ongoing scam targeting community members after a resident was nearly defrauded of $80,000 in a complex scheme involving fake Amazon customer service contacts.
According to police, a resident attempting to resolve a mistaken Amazon delivery was misled by a fraudulent phone number found online. The number connected the resident to a scammer impersonating an Amazon employee, who convinced the individual to withdraw $35,000 to “fix” their Amazon and bank accounts. A male suspect later arrived at the victim’s home to collect the cash.
After realizing they had been scammed, the resident contacted Howell police. On May 22, detectives conducted a sting operation using a decoy package representing an additional $80,000 the scammer requested. A 21-year-old male, a foreign exchange student from India living in Scranton, Pennsylvania, was arrested after picking up the package. He was charged with Receiving Stolen Property and taken to Monmouth County Jail.
Authorities urge vigilance as scammers employ high-pressure tactics
Police warn that these scams often involve manipulating victims into believing their accounts are compromised and require immediate action. Victims are pressured into handing over large sums of money or transferring funds electronically to “resolve” fake issues.
The department continues to conduct fraud prevention seminars and encourages residents to verify all contact attempts before sending money. Anyone contacted with suspicious requests, especially those involving gift cards or cryptocurrency, is urged to call a trusted person or the police directly.
Second suspect still at large
Police say the original recipient of the initial $35,000 remains at large. He is described as a younger South Asian male last seen driving an older silver Toyota Corolla with Pennsylvania plates.
Anyone with information about the outstanding suspect is urged to contact Detective Richard Robertiello at 732-938-4575, Ext. 2652.
