Gloucester Twp. Police Warn Residents About Local Online Scams

GLOUCESTER TOWNSHIP, NJ — Gloucester Township police are warning residents about a pair of online shopping scam that have been reported in the area.

In one scam, which was reported by a nearby police department, two separate people were contacted about items they were selling online.

The caller met with the victims in person and purchased the items with cash. It was only after the scammer left that the victims realized they had been paid in what police called “movie-quality” fake money.

In another incident, the scammer claims to be renting out an apartment online. They ask the victim to pay a security deposit and first month’s rent using Zelle and Apple Pay.

Gloucester Township police recommend using the Safe Exchange Zone they have set up outside police headquarters, 1261 Chews Landing Road.

“It's open, well lit, and cameras are recording 24/7,” police said. “Don’t pay by wire transfer, money order or gift cards. Sellers that demand these types of payments are scammers, and unlike with credit cards or reputable e-pay services, there’s little recourse to recover your money.”