Irs, unemployment and loan scams reported in lacey

LACEY TOWNSHIP, NJ – Knowing that COVID-19 presents a rich opportunity for fraudsters to take advantage of many government assistance programs, Lacey Police reported three incidents this weekend. Fraud is on the rise in America as there has been easier access to loans, online filing options for many social programs and the possibility for IRS scams to take advantage of those in trouble. Frauds are getting rich off these scams, but federal and local officials continue working to capture those criminals.

Theft — On Friday, September 11, 2020, at 7:05 p.m., Officer Dallas Gant responded to police headquarters for a report of identity theft. The complainant reported that she received an email from Bright Lending indicating that her loan application was being processed and then an email stating that her loan has been approved. The victim reported that she did not apply for the loan. The victim also contacted her identity theft security company, Bright Lending, and the Federal Trade Commission.
Fraud – On Tuesday, September 15, 2020, at 3:43 p.m., Officer Jason Lee responded to the 900 block of Lacey Road, in reference to a report of a phone scam. The victim reported that a woman who identified herself as Linda Brooks, from the Internal Revenue Services (IRS), contacted her. The victim also reported that “Linda” knew her social security number and told her that the IRS for an unknown reason is investigating her. “Linda” then instructed the victim to transfer money from her savings account to her checking account and purchase multiple gift cards. Lisa stated “Linda” wanted her to provide her with all the gift card numbers and pin numbers to resolve the investigation. The victim did not purchase the gift cards and immediately reported the incident to this agency.
Fraud – On Tuesday, September 15, 2020, at 6:35 p.m. Officer Patrick Watkins responded to police headquarters in reference to a report of fraud. The victim reported that she received a notice in the mail from the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development regarding an unemployment insurance claim in her name, which she did not file. She also later received a letter from the NJ Department of Labor with a Bank of America pre-paid Visa/Debit card with her name printed on the card. The victim is in the process of contacting the NJ Department of Labor to report the incident to their fraud department.

–end of story

Shore News Network warns customers and readers of a new fraud. A man with an extensive history of fraud in Ocean County has publicly boasted about contacting our clients and readers. Please be careful if this man calls you and keep your guard up. We advise not taking his call. See why below.

Phil Stilton Latest posts

Phil Stilton is the Editor and Publisher of Shore News Network, an independent digital newsroom providing original reporting on New Jersey, national news, government, public policy, public safety, courts, and community affairs.

As founder of the publication, Stilton leads editorial strategy, investigative reporting, and daily newsroom operations while overseeing coverage that reaches millions of readers annually.

With extensive experience covering municipal government, county government, state legislatures, elections, law enforcement, emergency management, and public records, Stilton specializes in translating complex government actions into clear, factual reporting. His work frequently relies on primary source documents, including court filings, legislation, public meeting records, election finance disclosures, government databases, police reports, and Freedom of Information and Open Public Records Act (OPRA) requests. He has reported extensively on local government accountability, taxpayer spending, campaign finance, public corruption investigations, infrastructure, public safety, and the policies affecting New Jersey residents.

Under Stilton's editorial leadership, Shore News Network has grown into one of New Jersey's largest independent digital news organizations, publishing thousands of original news articles each year while providing breaking news coverage, investigative reporting, and analysis across state and local government. The publication's reporting is routinely sourced from official government agencies, public officials, court records, and firsthand documentation, with a commitment to transparency, attribution, corrections when warranted, and clearly distinguishing factual reporting from opinion.

Stilton's journalism follows established newsroom standards emphasizing accuracy, verification, fairness, and accountability. Every effort is made to verify information through official records and multiple reliable sources before publication. His reporting is intended to provide readers with timely, well-documented information that helps them understand the issues affecting their communities, while maintaining editorial independence from political parties, government agencies, advocacy organizations, and commercial interests.

Readers can submit story tips, corrections, public records, or media inquiries through the official Shore News Network website or its verified social media channels. Shore News Network welcomes corrections and updates when new information becomes available as part of its ongoing commitment to accurate and transparent journalism.