Morris County Sheriff's Office Advises Residents of Telephone Scam Demanding Money Under Threat Of Arrest

Published on August 09, 2019

The Morris County Sheriff's Office is advising the Morris County community that a telephone scam resurfaced on August 9, 2019, in which a caller identified himself as a Sergeant with the Morris County Sheriff's Office and warned residents that they would be arrested if an outstanding fine was not paid immediately.

Morris County Sheriff James M. Gannon Morris County Sheriff James M. Gannon

Sheriff James M. Gannon said: In the event these fraudulent calls are received, residents should never give their personal or financial information over the phone, nor should they arrange to meet someone to provide a prepaid credit card. The Morris County Sheriff's Office will never solicit methods of payment and/or personal identifiers over the phone.

A similar telephone scam last targeted Morris County residents, and communities nationwide, in December 2018.

In 2017, and in January and May of 2018, scams surfaced of people posing as officers who sought personal information and Green Dot MoneyPak cards for false warrants, civil process fees, overdue IRS payments and non-appearance for jury duty. Residents should notify local police agencies if they receive such calls.

ALL AGENCY INFORMATION AND CONTACTS CAN BE ACCESSED AND VERIFIED THROUGH THE MORRIS COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE WEBSITE AT WWW.SHERIFF.MORRISCOUNTYNJ.GOV

Any suspicious calls regarding the Morris County Sheriff's Office can also be directed to 973-285-6600 during the day and 973-285-2900 after hours for verification of agency personnel.

Crime Prevention Tips to Help Avoid Falling Victim to this Scam:

  • Legitimate law enforcement agencies will not tell people to provide money card information to avoid arrest.
  • Be suspicious of callers who demand immediate payment for any reason.
  • Never give out personal or financial information to anyone who emails or calls you unsolicited.
  • Never wire money, provide debt or credit card numbers or Green Dot Money Pak card numbers to someone you do not know.
  • Remember that anyone who has the number on a Green Dot Money Pak card, has access to the funds on the card.
  • If you have received a phone scam call, try to gather names, the phone number and location given, and report the information to police.

Report tips and remain anonymous by contacting the Morris County Sheriff's CrimeStoppers at 973-COP-CALL or www.copcall.org from your mobile device. NO ONE WILL ASK YOUR NAME!

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