Crime & Safety

Scammers Impersonating Law Enforcement, Warns Princeton Police

Scammers can even spoof local police department numbers, Princeton PD said.

PRINCETON, NJ — The Princeton Police Department is warning residents that scammers are impersonating law enforcement officers.

Authorities in the Municipality have received reports of scammers contacting residents purporting to be law enforcement, even a member of the Princeton Police Department.

According to the police, scammers go online and research the names of local law enforcement members. They can spoof the phone number of the police department so that the call appears to be legitimate.

Find out what's happening in Princetonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

They will then will say something along the lines of, “There is an active investigation…” and ask for personal information, Princeton PD said.

Authorities have asked residents to be aware. "You are never going to get a call from law enforcement asking for personal information,” Princeton PD said in a message to the community.

Find out what's happening in Princetonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

“Trust us, if they are truly law enforcement, they will probably have that information already. If you suspect the call is a scam, simply hang up and call the actual police department.”

Have a correction or news tip? Email sarah.salvadore@patch.com

Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.