Phone Scammers Increasing Pressure, Ocean County Prosecutor Warns

Phone scammers masquerading as law enforcement representatives enter their busiest time of the year, and Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph Coronato is advising you not to fall for it.

Business operators and private citizens alike are being pelted with solicitations for substantial contributions to groups purporting to represent police interests,including donations for equipment and scholarship funds, according to information from Coronato's office.

Callers often identify themselves as members or affiliates of local law enforcement agencies. Neither the Prosecutor's Office nor local departments solicit funds by phone.

In the past week, the Prosecutor's Office has fielded numerous reports of calls originating in Area Code 609. The caller claims to represent "the police foundation," and seeks money to equip local departments, authorities said.

The caller reassures potential victims that no one will visit the home or business, but that they could expect envelopes in which to mail checks or money orders.

The same goes for promises of "police" decals for car windows, and special consideration for displaying them.

“Ocean County Law Enforcement does not administer the motor vehicle laws of the state on the basis of contributions to charities offering decals and stickers,” Coronato said in a prepared release.

County investigators recommend asking hard questions about the organization in question and how the money is used. Sketchy or evasive answers are a red flag against donations.

The New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs maintains a charity info line that can field complaints or questions about police-related fundraising groups and activities: 993-504-6215, Mondays through Fridays, 9 AM until 4:30 PM.