Phone Scammers Impersonate Police In Parsippany: What To Do If They Call You

PARSIPPANY, NJ — Police are warning Parsippany residents of a new phone scam where the caller pretends to be an officer in an attempt to get personal information.

Over the past few days, residents have reported receiving phone calls from someone claiming to be with the Parsippany Township Police Department, telling them they’re victims of identity theft and requesting personal information, according to police.

Police advise that if you receive such a call, you should verify its legitimacy by asking for the caller’s name and badge number. Then, hang up and call the department's non-emergency number at 973-263-4300 ext. 0, where a dispatcher can confirm the officer's identity and connect you with them.

Parsippany police will also never call to ask you to pay a fine or inform you of a warrant. Never provide credit card numbers or personal information over the phone to unverified callers or businesses.

Here are some of the FCC's tips for detecting a spoofed number:

• If you get an unexpected or suspicious call, do not give out personal information such as account numbers, Social Security numbers, mother's maiden names, passwords or other identifying information.
• Use caution if you're immediately pressured for information.
• If the caller says they represent a company or government agency, hang up and call the phone number on your account statement, in the phone book, or on the company's or government agency's website to verify the request. You will usually get a written statement in the mail before you get a phone call from a legitimate source requesting payment.

This is the government's website for cyber scams. If you are ever unsure if something is a scam, you can contact Parsippany police.