Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp announces advises residents that at least one individual has been victimized in an apparent telephone scam.
Recently, a resident of East Hanover received a phone call in which the caller identification appeared to be coming from the Internal Revenue Service. The caller stated that the resident owed money for back taxes.
The victim was instructed to obtain “re-load it cards” and provide the perpetrator with access to the card and the money loaded onto the card.
The victim subsequently received a second call in which the caller identification appeared to be coming from the Morris County Sheriff’s Office. The caller identified himself as a police officer with the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office. The resident was informed that unless additional money was paid, a Sheriff’s Officer would come to his home to arrest him. The resident was instructed to obtain cashier’s checks for a substantial amount of money.
Prosecutor Knapp warns all residents that neither the Prosecutor’s Office, the Sheriff’s Department nor the Internal Revenue Service would ever demand or request money over the telephone.
No matter how persistent or convincing the caller may appear, residents are advised not to provide money, access to accounts or obtain debit cards which can be accessed by the caller.
If you are contacted please notify your local police department or the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Financial Crimes Unit at 973-285-6200.