Nutley Residents Get Text From Scammer, Police Issue Warning

NUTLEY, NJ — A text message-based scam that has been taking place in other parts of New Jersey has arrived in Nutley, authorities say.

According to the Nutley Police Department, several residents recently contacted the NPD after getting a text from a scammer.

As per a social media post:

“Several residents contacted the Nutley police reporting they received a text message from the New Jersey State Department of Motor Vehicles advising them they have an outstanding traffic ticket that must be paid by June 1, 2025. These messages have been sent from phone numbers outside of the United States. Please see the attached photograph for reference. If you receive one of these messages, DO NOT click on the link provided and safely delete the message, as this is a fraud.”

Meanwhile, other types of fraud continue to be reported in the township, police say:

May 24 (THEFT OF IDENTITY, DE VAUSNEY PLACE) – “Officers responded on report of identity theft. The victim stated that they attempted to open a cellphone account and provided their Social Security Number. They were advised by the representative that an account had already been opened utilizing that Social Security Number and the victim informed them that they did not open the account. They were offered to be entered as an Identity Theft Victim but declined at the time.”

May 27 (FRAUD, VILLA PALCE) – “A resident responded to headquarters to report an incident of fraud. They stated that they received an email from someone who they believed was a director from their place of employment requesting that they purchase gift cards for an employee. The victim stated that they purchased approximately $600 worth of gift cards and sent the party the information from the gift cards prior to realizing it was a scam. The victim stated that they notified their bank of the incident, and they were advised to monitor all their financial accounts. The Detective Bureau was advised.”

May 27 (THEFT OF IDENTITY, ENTWISTLE AVENUE) – “A resident responded to headquarters to document theft of identity. They stated that they were notified by their bank that an account had been opened in their name and they informed the bank that it had been opened fraudulently. The victim stated that the bank closed the account, and they were advised to monitor all their financial accounts. They were offered the opportunity to be entered as an Identity Theft Victim, which they wished to do.”

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