Phone Scam Impersonating Camden Co. Officers Emerges: What To Look Out For

CAMDEN COUNTY, NJ — Authorities are warning of a phone scam in which people impersonate Camden County officers and demand payment.

The scammers are impersonating officers from the Camden County Sheriff's Office, the agency said Wednesday. They are using spoofed law enforcement phone numbers, along with officers' names, positions and addresses.

Here's a list of suspicious activity to look out for, according to the sheriff's office:

• Calls stating the court is holding the person in contempt for failure to appear for jury duty.
• Calls claiming a person has fines for outstanding warrants.
• Calls stating an individual has been placed under a “gag order” and is not allowed to speak with anyone else regarding the matter.
• Calls demanding you remain on the line until the “bond” is paid.
• Requests for monetary gift cards (Visa/Green Dot, etc.), bank deposits and voucher purchases to clear court fines or avoid jail time.
• Requests for videos or pictures of individuals conducting a personal strip search of themselves to clear court fines or avoid jail time.

"If you receive a call or voicemail from the Sheriff’s Office demanding money for a warrant, do not respond," said County Sheriff Chuck Billingham. "Instead, call your local police department and report the call."

"Please remember, the Sheriff’s Office will never call you to send money to clear a warrant," Billingham continued. "Lastly, we will never ask you for additional personal or financial information."

Victims of phone or online scams can file a complaint with their local police department or with Chief William Fontanez of the Camden County Sheriff’s Office at wfontanez@sheriffcc.com or 856-225-5470.