Metuchen Man Conned Businesses Into Fake Donations: Prosecutor

METUCHEN, NJ — A Metuchen man is accused of posing as local nonprofits and first responder organizations in order to scam businesses into giving fake donations, Middlesex County Prosecutor Andrew C. Carey said.

Anthony Moats, 55, is accused of impersonating local organizations, such as nonprofits, police departments, veteran and firefighter organizations, in order to con local businesses into giving donations, Carey said. Between May 2017 and February 2019, Moats allegedly conned businesses out of $63,000, which he then used to pay his personal bills.

Carey said businesses in Carteret, East Brunswick, Edison, Iselin, New Brunswick, Perth Amboy, Piscataway, and South Brunswick were targeted.

"Unfortunately, the crime of donation fraud is quite widespread and prevalent throughout our community. The criminals involved in these schemes selfishly exploit the benevolence and generosity of others who seek to do good. We urge everyone to be wary of unexpected solicitations," said Carey.

Moats was arrested in Edison on Wednesday, and was charged with impersonation, impersonating a law enforcement office, and five counts of theft by deception connected to the scheme, Carey said.

Carey cautioned businesses and individuals to always exercise caution when making donations, particularly when responding to solicitations.

"Anyone seeking to make a donation to an organization should contact the organization directly so that the funds make it into the proper hands and go to good use. Furthermore, when receiving a solicitation on behalf of a law enforcement based organization, we further suggest calling the local police department prior to making a donation in order to verify that the solicitation is legitimate," Carey said.