Don't Get Scammed: Brick Police Again Warn Of Thieves' Schemes

BRICK, NJ — Brick Township police are again urging residents to beware of scammers targeting people in multiple ways.

The scammers target older residents in particular, but anyone could be at risk of falling for one of these scams.

The scams are actively circulating in the community, Brick police said, and they urge residents to stay informed and make sure friends and loved ones are alerted as well.

Here are some of the common scams:

Gift Card / Cryptocurrency Scams: Be wary of requests for payment in the form of gift cards or cryptocurrency, especially if someone claims to be a government official, law enforcement officer, or a utility company representative. Legitimate organizations will never demand payment through gift cards or cryptocurrency (i.e Bitcoin).

Grandparent Scams: Scammers often target seniors by pretending to be their grandchild or family member in distress. They may claim to be in trouble and urgently need money. Always verify the caller's identity before providing any financial assistance. Contact other family members to confirm the situation.

Email Scams: Beware of suspicious emails requesting personal information, passwords, or financial details. Legitimate organizations will not ask for such sensitive information via email. Be cautious of email attachments and verify the sender's address before clicking on any links.

Tech Support Scams: Fraudsters may contact you claiming to be from a reputable tech support company. They might state that your computer has a virus or other issues and request remote access or payment for their services. Always research the company and contact them directly to verify their legitimacy.

Romance Scams: Be cautious when engaging in online relationships. Scammers may create fake profiles and form emotional connections to exploit victims financially. Avoid sending money to individuals you have not met in person and be wary of requests for financial assistance.

Remember to take these precautions to protect yourself from fraud:

• Be skeptical of unsolicited requests for personal or financial information.
• Verify the identity of callers or email senders before sharing sensitive details.
• Use strong, unique passwords for all your online accounts.
• Keep your devices and software up to date with the latest security patches.
• Educate yourself about common scams and share this information with friends and family.

If you suspect you have been targeted or fallen victim to a scam, report it immediately to the Brick Township Police Department.