Monmouth County Sheriff Warns Against Scam Callers

File photo.
File photo.

MONMOUTH COUNTY – Have you gotten a call recently from the Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office? If so, it may not be real. Monmouth County Sheriff Shaun Golden has issued a warning to residents against certain phone scams by people claiming to be associated with the Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office.

Sheriff Golden issued the warning after numerous residents reached out to the department with complaints about solicitation calls. These callers claim to be from the Sheriff’s Office Law Enforcement Division claiming that the person must pay a fine to rectify a legal issue. 

“This type of solicitation and misrepresentation is inexcusable and will not be tolerated,” said Sheriff Golden. “Our agency does not make calls asking for money or contributions of any kind, nor does it authorize the solicitation of funds. We will aggressively investigate such scams and pursue all avenues of complaints both on the criminal and civil side.”

Many of the callers’ complaints to the Sheriff’s Office cited lies and harassment by these phone scammers. One caller was even accused of not reporting to jury duty and was ordered to pay a fine immediately through a pre-paid debit card, according to the department.

Although the call may appear to come from the Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office phone number, officials warn residents that scammers can use technology to modify the appearance of the number; a practice also known as spoofing. 

 If you receive a call soliciting funds for the Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office, report it to 732-431-6400 ext. 1126 and provide the date, time, and phone number of the person/organization and details of the call.

  The Sheriff’s Office offers some tips to remember:

  • Do not send money through a pre-paid debit card if asked.
  • Never give out personal information on the phone.
  • Be very cautions if a caller tells you you’ve won a prize.
  • Don’t be pressed into quick decisions.
  • Take time to discuss an offer with someone you trust.
  • Get the offer in writing.
  • Be very wary of home repair offers.
  • Safeguard telemarketers from any identifying information which includes social security numbers, credit card numbers, bank account numbers, debit card numbers, etc.

“The most important message to be stressed is to hang up. It’s not rude it’s shrewd,” said Sheriff Golden.