Local officials are urging Ocean County residents to be on high alert after a Jackson resident reported receiving a fraudulent phone call from an individual posing as a Captain with the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department.
According to the report, the caller claimed the resident had two outstanding warrants for “Failure to Appear” and instructed him to turn himself in immediately—but only after bringing $10,000 in cash. To intensify the pressure, the scammer sent a text message containing a fabricated warrant bearing the resident’s name.
Authorities stressed that this tactic is a scam and warned that law enforcement agencies do not contact individuals by phone to demand cash payments, nor will they instruct anyone to bring money to resolve a warrant.
Officials are particularly concerned for senior residents, who are often targeted because scammers consider them more vulnerable to intimidation.
Residents are encouraged to spread the word within the community and to report any similar incidents to local law enforcement.
Authorities reiterated: If you receive such a call, do not comply, do not share personal information, and do not send or bring money.