OCEAN COUNTY — Authorities are warning residents about an increase in telephone scams involving callers who falsely claim their targets missed jury duty or face arrest on an outstanding warrant.
The scammers often threaten immediate arrest unless the person quickly makes a payment. They may demand gift cards, cryptocurrency, wire transfers or other difficult-to-trace forms of payment.
Legitimate courts and law enforcement agencies do not call residents and demand immediate payment to prevent an arrest. Officials also will not request payment through gift cards, cryptocurrency or other unusual methods.
Anyone who receives such a call should hang up without sharing personal, banking or financial information.
Residents who are uncertain whether a call is legitimate should contact their local court or law enforcement agency directly using a verified telephone number, rather than one supplied by the caller.
Authorities are encouraging residents to share the warning with relatives, friends and neighbors, particularly those who may be more vulnerable to fraud.
