TOMS RIVER, N.J. — The Toms River Police Department is warning residents about fraudulent phone calls soliciting donations under the department’s name, officials announced Wednesday.
Police stated they do not request donations over the phone and urged the public to be cautious of scams. The only legitimate fundraising effort associated with the department is conducted once a year through a mailed letter from Toms River PBA 137.
Authorities also advised residents to avoid making payments using gift cards, a common tactic used by scammers to collect money.
“If you are unsure of the correspondence, please call us at 732-349-0150,” the department said in a statement.
The warning comes as law enforcement agencies nationwide continue to combat phone scams that target unsuspecting victims.