Fake Arrest Warrants, Jury Duty Threats: Middlesex County Warns Residents About Scams
Scammers are posing as police officers and court officials, threatening arrest and demanding money. Here’s what Sayreville residents should know.
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SAYREVILLE, NJ — Imagine receiving a phone call from someone claiming to be with the Sheriff’s Office. They tell you there’s a warrant for your arrest because you missed jury duty, but you can avoid being arrested if you pay a fine immediately.
It might sound convincing, especially if the caller knows your name, provides a warrant number or sends a picture of an official-looking badge.
But according to the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office, these are among several tactics scammers are using to trick residents into handing over money and personal information.
In an October 13 warning, the prosecutor’s office said government impersonation scams have become prevalent throughout Middlesex County.
Scammers are contacting residents through phone calls, emails, text messages, social media and even traditional mail, pretending to represent government agencies or law enforcement.
The prosecutor’s office is urging residents to recognize the warning signs before becoming victims.
🚨 A Missed Jury Duty Call Could Be A Scam
One scheme involves people pretending to work for the Middlesex County Sheriff’s Office.
According to the prosecutor’s office, residents have received calls claiming they missed a required court appearance and now have an active arrest warrant.
The callers sometimes provide fake warrant numbers to make the threat appear legitimate.
They then tell residents they can avoid arrest by paying a fine.
The prosecutor’s office warns that courts and government agencies will not demand payments over the phone. Courts also do not ask prospective jurors to provide Social Security numbers over the phone.
Residents should not make payments or provide personal information in response to these calls.
⚠️ Fake Badges, Arrest Warrants And Other Threats
The prosecutor’s office says scammers are also sending pictures of real or altered law enforcement credentials and badges to make their demands appear credible.
Some threaten arrest or other penalties unless the person pays immediately.
The scenarios described in the county’s warning include:
- A seized package: Someone claims a package bearing your name has been seized and demands your driver’s license information and money.
- An alleged criminal investigation: A caller claims your bank account is connected to illegal drug sales or that illegal material was discovered on your computer or email account.
- A fake arrest warrant: Someone threatens arrest over an alleged missed court appearance.
- An E-ZPass payment: A message claims you have unpaid tolls and must pay immediately.
In some cases, scammers provide a code or password and say another person will come to the resident’s home to collect payment.
The prosecutor’s office warns residents not to send cash, gift cards, gold bars or cryptocurrency to strangers making these demands.
🏠 Scammers Are Also Targeting Estate And Probate Matters
Another scam involves people pretending to represent the Middlesex County Surrogate’s Office or Probate Court.
The county says residents dealing with recent real estate or estate-related matters have received calls claiming there is a problem with their paperwork.
The callers demand additional fees and sometimes threaten legal action or frozen assets.
Some also pretend to be attorneys, debt collectors or estate service providers.
Anyone receiving a suspicious call about an estate or probate matter should contact the Middlesex County Surrogate’s Office directly at 732-745-3055, rather than using a phone number provided by the caller.
The prosecutor’s office also recommends consulting an estate attorney before making payments.
📞 How To Protect Yourself
The prosecutor’s office is reminding Sayreville residents and others throughout Middlesex County to take several precautions.
Hang up if someone threatens arrest and demands immediate payment. Do not let the caller pressure you into staying on the phone.
Don’t share personal information. This includes your Social Security number, driver’s license number, banking details or other sensitive information.
Don’t trust caller ID alone. Scammers can make their calls appear to come from legitimate government or law enforcement phone numbers.
Verify the call independently. If someone claims to represent an agency, end the conversation and contact that agency using a phone number you find through an official source.
Tell someone you trust. The prosecutor’s office warns that scammers may instruct victims not to contact family members or police. Such demands are a warning sign.
If someone comes to your home demanding cash while claiming to represent law enforcement or another government agency, the prosecutor’s office advises calling 911.
Residents can also report suspected scams to their local police department.
Where To Report A Scam
Residents can report suspected fraud through these organizations:
- Federal Trade Commission: ReportFraud.ftc.gov
- FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center: IC3.gov
- Better Business Bureau Scam Tracker: Report a scam
The prosecutor’s office urges residents to be cautious of unexpected requests for money, particularly when the caller threatens legal consequences or insists on immediate payment.
Residents can read the full October 13 fraud alert from the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office.
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