WOOLWICH TOWNSHIP, NJ — The Woolwich Township Police Department is warning residents about ongoing phone and computer scams targeting individuals in the community.
Scammers are contacting residents by phone, text message, email or pop-up alerts on computers, claiming there is a problem with their device, bank account or personal information, according to police.
In many cases, scammers impersonate tech support, government agencies, banks or law enforcement in an attempt to scare victims into sending money or providing personal information.
Common warning signs of a scam include a pop-up message claiming a computer is infected and instructing the user to call a phone number, a caller demanding immediate payment to avoid arrest, fines or account closure, and requests for payment by gift cards, wire transfers, cryptocurrency or payment apps.
Other red flags include someone asking for remote access to a computer and messages creating urgency or pressuring victims to act quickly.
Police advise residents not to call phone numbers from pop-up messages on their computer, never provide personal or financial information to unsolicited callers, and not send money or gift cards to someone they do not know.
Residents should hang up and contact the organization directly using a verified phone number and speak with a trusted family member or friend before sending money.
Anyone who receives a suspicious call or believes they may have been targeted by a scam should report it to their local police department.
