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On Tuesday, October 11th, Essex County Sheriff officials reported that the sheriff's office issued a Public Safety Service Announcement.
Officials say the announcement regards fraudulent calls.
According to Sheriff Fontoura, over the weekend, the Essex County Sheriff's Office was made aware of a series of fraudulent calls going out to residents where the caller introduced himself as a member of the Essex County Sheriff's Office.
The fraudulent caller stated a court date was missed and there was a warrant for their arrest and that payment via cryptocurrency, a bail bondsman, or Zelle was required.
The caller also said the resident was required to appear at the Veteran's Courthouse in Newark on Monday.
Sheriff Fontoura implores the public not to provide personal information or payment to anyone claiming to be affiliated with the Essex County Sheriff's Office.
Sheriff Fontoura reminds Essex County residents of the following:
1. Anyone who contacts a resident about a legal issue in Essex County and requests payment electronically is a scam.
2. Never provide financial or personal information via telephone.
3. If you never received a summons via mail, ignore the phone call and call the Essex County Sheriff's Office at 973-621-4111 to report this occurrence.
4. Be aware even if the caller ID says "Essex County Sheriff's Office," this does not mean it is from the Essex County Sheriff's Office, as scammers can spoof the Caller ID.