WOODBRIDGE, N.J. (1010 WINS) -- Police in New Jersey have issued a warning of phone scams for residents after more than $19,000 was taken from a woman, according to officials.
According to officials, the woman was tricked into believing that she won the Publisher Clearing House sweepstakes and sent money to an address in Arkansas to cover "fees" in order to claim her winnings.
“Be wary of calls claiming to be lotteries, utility companies or even the police claiming you owe money or have warrants,” Woodbridge police said in a post written on their Facebook page. “Before sending any money, funds or gift cards please verify with that agency.”
Authorities said they have received multiple reports about an attempted fraud where callers used a hoax Woodbridge Police Department’s phone number and identified themselves as officers or detectives and asked for personal information regarding an on-going investigation, police said.
“No real police officer will ever demand payment or request personal information over the phone,” officials said. “If someone does it’s a scam.”