Phone Scams Ramping Up In Howell, Police Warn

HOWELL, NJ — Howell police are warning residents, particularly senior residents, about a recent increase in phone scams.

The department warns that in telephone scams, it is almost impossible to recover the money that's been lost.

In all of the recent incidents that have been reported, the initial contact is over the phone.

There are various stories used during these telephone scams, but the most common is about a supposedly unpaid bill, such as to the IRS or a utility bill.

Then there is the urgent call about money needed for a relative in trouble for bail or medical care, among other nonexistent crises.

Phone scams can escalate quickly, based on the experience of a woman in Wall recently.

The scammer called about a supposed subscription, one thing led to another and the woman was scammed of over $100,000. You can read the story about the scam - and about the arrest - here.

Here are the four signs you are being scammed, police said:

• Scammers pretend to be from an organization your know.
• Scammers say there is a problem or a prize.
• Scammers pressure you to act immediately.
• Scammers tell you to pay in a specific way.

Never pay anyone who requests payment for one of these stories with a gift card, police emphasized. Once the gift card numbers are relayed over the phone to the scammer, the money is gone, police added.

And police say to never arrange for anyone to come to your home to pick up the money in person to settle the alleged debt for you.

If you are suspicious in any way about these calls, contact the Howell police at 732-938-4575.