Nutley Resident Foils Scam Attempt; See 2 Other Fraud Warnings From Police

NUTLEY, NJ — A Nutley resident recognized a scam and foiled the attempt last week, authorities say.

According to the Nutley Police Department, a Beech Street resident reported the attempted identity theft on Thursday.

Here’s what happened, police said:

“[The resident] stated that they received a notification on their computer that their account had been compromised and to contact the number provided. The resident stated that they contacted the number and spoke to an individual who advised in order to remedy their account they would need to purchase gift cards. They stated they realized it was a scam and did not provide any of their personal information. They were offered to be entered as an identity theft victim, but declined at the time.”

OTHER FRAUD IN NUTLEY

Nutley police shared the following reminders about other ongoing fraud attempts that have been reported in the township:

SPYWARE SCAM – “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.”

LAW ENFORCEMENT IMPERSONATORS – “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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