Scammers are posing as law enforcement officers and demanding immediate payments to avoid fake arrests.
BARNEGAT, NJ — Barnegat police are warning residents about a surge in phone scams in which callers falsely claim victims missed jury duty or have an outstanding arrest warrant, then demand immediate payment.
According to the Barnegat Police Department, scammers are contacting residents and telling them they can avoid arrest by sending money immediately.
Police said the callers often instruct victims to pay using gift cards, cryptocurrency, wire transfers or other unconventional payment methods.
The department stressed that legitimate law enforcement agencies and courts do not call people demanding immediate payment to avoid arrest and will never request payment through gift cards, cryptocurrency or similar methods.
Residents who receive one of these calls are urged to hang up immediately and avoid providing any personal or financial information.
Anyone unsure whether a call is legitimate should contact their local court or law enforcement agency using an official phone number rather than one provided by the caller.
Police are encouraging residents to share the warning with family members, friends and neighbors to help prevent others from becoming victims of fraud.
Key Points
- Barnegat police are warning residents about an increase in jury duty and arrest warrant scams.
- Scammers demand immediate payment using gift cards, cryptocurrency, wire transfers or similar methods.
- Police say legitimate courts and law enforcement agencies never demand payment to avoid arrest.
