'Sextortion', Phone Scams Warning Issued By Bernards Township Police

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — Bernards Township Police is warning the public of a growing number of scam reports where scammers try to extort people through text, phone calls, emails, and social media.

"Bernards Township Police Department has been receiving an increase of scam reports / monetary loss reports. We wanted to remind all residents to be aware of many common scams, and to never send monetary funds to ANYONE without prior verification," said police.

Police offered the following tips:

• If you receive a phone call from a number appearing to be a legitimate bank number, hang up, and dial the number provided to you on your bank statements, as some scammers have been able to “spoof” legitimate bank numbers. Never send funds or move funds through accounts just by speaking to someone who called YOU.
• “Sextortion” is a common scam used as of late, where suspects will have victims send naked photos of themselves to the suspect. The suspect will then threaten to send the photos to the victim’s family and friends if they do not receive payment. NEVER send explicit photos of yourself to an unknown party. If you already have, NEVER send funds, and immediately block that individual from all applications you speak to them on.
• Any suspicious emails, messages, or any other cyber communications should always be verified by checking the email account/phone number/website it is received from before sending funds.
• If you’re unsure if someone you’re speaking to is legitimate, whether on the phone or online, always hang up and re-contact by calling an official bank, office, or department line. Do your research on the phone number, email, or website that you are in contact with before sending funds to verify its legitimacy.

"Again, NEVER send funds to anyone you do not know. Always confirm the validity of the person you are speaking with. NEVER send nude photos of yourself to an unknown party. Do your research on the numbers calling you or the email addresses contacting you," said police.

If anyone still requires further assistance in verification, the Bernards Township Police is here to help clarify, so you do not become a victim.

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