The Bergen County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents about scammers impersonating Sheriff’s Office personnel and manipulating caller ID so calls appear to come from the agency.
The Sheriff’s Office said scammers are also using the names of current and retired officers to make the calls appear legitimate. Officials cautioned that a call should not be trusted simply because caller ID appears to show the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office or the caller knows an officer’s name.
Scammers may claim someone has an outstanding warrant, missed jury duty or owes a fine or fee, according to the Sheriff’s Office. They may also demand immediate payment to avoid arrest.
The Sheriff’s Office said it will never call someone and demand immediate payment over the phone.
Residents should not provide or verify personal or financial information, send money, purchase gift cards or transfer cryptocurrency in response to a suspicious call, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
Anyone who receives a suspicious call should hang up and contact the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office directly or contact local police.