Fraud, Scams In Nutley: Mail, Bank, Spyware, Fake Family ‘Arrests’

NUTLEY, NJ — More scam, theft and fraud cases have been reported in Nutley, police announced Monday.

The Nutley Police Department released the following details about several recent incidents that were reported in the township:

March 31 (Franklin Avenue) – “A victim of theft responded to headquarters to document the incident. The victim stated they were waiting to receive a credit card in the mail and contacted the company when they did not receive it. They were advised by the company that the card had been activated and used. The victim stated they informed the company that they did not authorize the activation and the card was deactivated. They were offered to be entered as an identity theft victim but declined at the time. The Detective Bureau was advised.”

April 1 (Harrison Street) – “A victim of fraud responded to headquarters to document the incident. They stated they received a text message from their bank to confirm a purchase and proceeded to decline the charge. The victim stated they checked their account and observed there had been two unauthorized charges and contacted the bank to inform them. The victim was offered the opportunity to be entered as an identity theft victim but declined at the time. The Detective Bureau was advised.”

April 3 (Chestnut Street) – “Officers responded on report of a fraudulent incident. Business personnel stated they had sent a check in the mail and were advised by the recipient that it was not received. Personnel stated that they contacted the bank and were informed that the check had been cashed. Personnel advised that the check had been cashed by an unknown party that was unauthorized and informed the bank of the incident. The Detective Bureau was advised.”

April 4 (Kingsland Street) – “A victim of fraud responded to headquarters to report the incident. They stated that they received notification in the mail for an unpaid balance with a credit card they did not open. They stated that they contacted the company to confirm the open account and proceeded to contact their bank to advise them of the incident. The victim was offered the opportunity to be entered as an identity theft victim but declined at the time. The Detective Bureau was advised.”

Nutley police also released reminders about two other ongoing scams that have been taking place:

SPYWARE ON PHONE – “Several residents have made reports of a scam where the actors email the victims reporting they have installed spyware on their phone. They tell the victims that with this spyware, they can access personal information including photos, contacts, addresses, and the like. The messages have all contained Google Maps images of the victims’ streets. The actors then demand the victims send money to a Bitcoin account or else they will send sensitive images on the phones to the victims’ friends and family. The Nutley Police Department is requesting residents be vigilant for this scam and not to send money to unknown parties. Residents are urged to contact police if they receive suspicious emails that request money to be sent to unknown individuals.”

FAMILY MEMBER ARRESTED – “Residents have reported a scam where the actor(s) contact the victim, identify themselves as being affiliated with law enforcement, and report a family member has been arrested. They instruct the victims to pay bail. The actor(s) have another party speak during the call claiming to be the family member allegedly incarcerated. Victims are instructed to leave the money in a specified area so that it can be collected. DO NOT provide money to individuals claiming to be law enforcement over the phone! Bail would be posted through the proper authorities at the appropriate venue. If you are contacted by someone advising a loved one has been arrested and needs bail who requests you leave the money contact police immediately!”

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