PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Police in South Jersey have warned residents about a phone scam that’s going around where the caller pretends to be a police sergeant.
Several people on Monday reported receiving calls from individuals pretending to be Gloucester Township police officers, including “Sgt. Dave Young” and “Sgt. David Johnson.”
“This is Sgt. Dave Young with the Gloucester Township Police Department,” one message started. “This is in regards to a … legal matter. It would be imperative that you now call back today at your earliest convenience.”
The scammers tried to convince people that they had outstanding bail payments. One person was instructed to use Bitcoin to pay, but police said that person realized there was a scam going on and did not send any money.
While investigating, detectives learned of similar schemes happening in nearby towns. Officials have emphasized that law enforcement would never call to demand any payment and would never request cryptocurrency.
Authorities noted that Gloucester Township police officers, detectives and emergency dispatchers have been known to place residential phone calls.
Anyone who receives a questionable call has been urged to verify it by contacting Gloucester Township olice at 856-228-4500.