Trenton NJ, The New Jersey State Police are reporting during the last week, law enforcement agencies in New Jersey began investigating a phone scam that threatens to harm victims’ family members if money is not wired to the caller. The most recent incident was reported to the New Jersey State Police Perryville Station.
The details of each respective occurrence vary slightly, however, there are several factors common with all of the incidents. All of the calls are made from 331-240-1294 and a computerized voice claims to be watching the victim’s house. The message directs the victim to call the above number and threatens to harm their family if money is not wired as per their instructions.
If you receive a call like the one described, please notify your local police immediately. DO NOT, under any circumstance, call the number back or wire money to the caller.
The incidents are currently under investigation and there is no additional information available at this time.
Ridgewood NJ, In 2018, the Consumer Sentinel Network has seen a striking increase in the median dollar amount that people 70 and over are saying they lost to fraud. Digging into the data, we found some common stories with an unusual twist: people 70 and older report mailing huge amounts of cash to people who pretended to be their grandchildren.
People 70 and over rarely report to the FTC that they paid a scammer with cash. But for one particular type of fraud – family and friend imposters – fully 25% of people 70 and over who reported to the FTC how they paid money told us they sent cash.
We call these family and friend imposter scams, but you may know them as the “grandparent scam” and with good reason. People 70 and over report that the scammer posed as a grandchild, usually a grandson, about 70% of the time.
Ridgewood NJ, the Ridgewood Police report several instances of fraud and identity theft against Village residents. On August 17th, a Jackson Terrace resident reported a fraud and a theft occurred shortly after she placed a sealed envelope in a mailbox located in the area of West Ridgewood Avenue and Corsa Terrace. The victim reported after mailing the check she was notified by her bank the check was possibly stolen and cashed fraudulently. The victim was advised by her bank to close the account and document the incident.
Hawthorne NJ, BORO OF HAWTHORNE: 8/1 – Residents reporting calls from 973-427-1800 claiming to be IRS demanding money for back taxes. This is a scam call, provide no info
Please advise neighbors and any Senior Citizens in your neighborhood. These people are threatening arrest if money is not paid. Total Scam IRS would not call to collect taxes!
NEWARK NJ, An Salvadoran national in the country illegally, who has an Interpol warrant for being a member of MS-13 and trafficking in firearms and narcotics, is among 91 foreign nationals taken into custody during a five-day operation conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) last week in New Jersey, targeting at-large criminal aliens, illegal re-entrants and other immigration violators. The operation was supported by ICE’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) New Jersey Field Office.
Of those arrested during the operation, which was spearheaded by ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO), 77 percent were convicted criminals and 70 percent of them had prior felony convictions.
“The remarkable results of our officers and law enforcement partners highlight ICE’s ongoing commitment to public safety,” said John Tsoukaris, Field Office Director of ERO Newark. “This operation focuses on the arrest of individuals convicted of serious crimes and are a threat to public safety. Because of the targeted efforts of these professional officers, there are 91 fewer criminals in our communities.”
These individuals will go through removal proceedings before an Immigration Judge or for those under a final order of removal, arrangements will be made to remove them from the U.S.
“U.S. Customs and Border Protection is extremely proud to have assisted in this operation,” said Frank Russo, Acting Director New York Field Office. “It is through collaborative efforts that law enforcement agencies can combat illegal acts and apprehend criminals who pose a threat to the Homeland.”
The individuals arrested throughout New Jersey were nationals of Anguilla (1), Bangladesh (1), Cameroon (1), Colombia (4), Cuba (3), Dominican Republic (14), Ecuador (4), Egypt (1), El Salvador (10), Ghana (1), Guatemala (3), Guinea (1), Guyana (2), Haiti (3), Honduras (4), Jamaica (3), Korea (2), Macedonia (2), Mexico (12), Nicaragua (1), Pakistan (2), Philippines (4), Peru (4), Poland (1), Spain (1), St. Lucia (1), Trinidad (3), and Venezuela (2)
These individuals were arrested in the following counties in New Jersey: Atlantic (3), Bergen (5), Burlington (3), Camden (3), Cumberland (6), Essex (19), Hudson (15), Mercer (7), Middlesex (7), Monmouth (1), Passaic (10), Union (8), and Warren (2). Also, one individual was arrested in New Castle county in Delaware and one individual was arrested in Bronx county in New York. They range from age 19 to 78 years old and all were previously convicted of a variety of offenses. Some of the convictions included sexual assault on a minor, child abuse, possession of narcotics, distribution of narcotics, money laundering, DUI, fraud, domestic violence, theft, possession of a weapon, burglary, larceny, aggravated assault, aggravated assault on law enforcement, resisting arrest, endangering the welfare of a child, kidnapping and illegal reentry.
Among those arrested during this operation include:
In Jersey City, a 39-year-old previously removed Venezuelan national, who has convictions of Aggravated Assault, Resisting Arrest by Force, Possession of a Weapon, and Distribution of Heroin;
In Saddle Brook, a 46-year-old Bangladeshi national, who has convictions of Aggravated Assault, and pending charges for Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Minor;
In New Brunswick, a 47-year-old Honduran national, who has convictions of Endangering the Welfare of a Child, who was released by Middlesex County Jail and rearrested by ICE;
In Passaic, a 24-year-old Jamaican national, who has convictions of Endangering the Welfare of a Child and Lewdness;
In Perth Amboy, a 32-year-old Dominican national, who has convictions of Possession of Cocaine, Domestic Violence Assault, and Trespassing;
In Newark, a 45-year-old Pakistani national, who has convictions of Money Laundering and Theft by Deception;
In Elizabeth, a 42-year-old Colombian national, who has a conviction for Homicide
In Bergenfield, a 58 year old Philippines national, who has convictions for DUI, Child Abuse and Domestic Violence Assault;
In Jersey City, a 54-year-old Dominican national, who has convictions for Kidnapping and Aggravated Assault;
In Bridgeton, a 41-year-old Mexican national, who has a conviction for Criminal Sexual Contact;
In Pleasantville, a 21-year-old Honduran national, who has been convicted for Endangering the Welfare of a Child;
In Plainfield, 22 & 23-year-old El Salvadorian nationals, who are members of MS-13;
In Lindenwold, 27 & 29-year-old El Salvadorian nationals, who are members of MS-13;
In East Orange, a 23-year-old Anguillan national, who is a member of the Bloods;
In South Brunswick, a 31-year-old Venezuelan national, who is a member of MS-13;
In West New York, a 26-year-old El Salvadorian national, who has an Interpol warrant for being a member of a terrorist organization (MS-13), trafficking in narcotics and trafficking in firearms;
In Bridgeton, a 22-year-old Mexican national, who is a member of the gang Los Pelones
ICE deportation officers conduct targeted enforcement operations every day in locations around the country as part of the agency’s ongoing efforts to protect the nation, uphold public safety and protect the integrity of our immigration laws and border controls.
During targeted enforcement operations, ICE officers frequently encounter additional suspects who may be in the United States in violation of federal immigration laws. Those persons will be evaluated on a case by case basis and, when appropriate, arrested by ICE.
ICE continues to focus its enforcement resources on individuals who pose a threat to national security, public safety and border security. ICE conducts targeted immigration enforcement in compliance with federal law and agency policy. However, as ICE Director Thomas Homan has made clear, ICE does not exempt classes or categories of removable aliens from potential enforcement. All of those in violation of the immigration laws may be subject to immigration arrest, detention and, if found removable by final order, removal from the United States.
Ridgewood NJ, the Ridgewood blog pulled this off the Ridgewood Moms and Dads page on Facebook , we thought it was important ; “I wanted to give everyone a heads up about something that happened to me today that I think everyone should be aware of. I live on Bogert Avenue between Ponfield and Glen Avenues. A young man came to my door early afternoon, and I believe he had short blonde or dirty blonde hair with piercing blue eyes and he was very lean who was from an extermination company. I believe it’s called Aptiva which was on his gray polo shirt. He was giving me a very hard sell and would not give me a card or brochure and was trying to pressure me to sign up for a service when I already have a service and we had just gotten our grounds sprayed and I told him that. He kept telling me that certain neighbors whose names I had never heard of before were customers already. And his schedule was filling up. I saw no truck in the vicinity, so he was parked somewhere else. And I just have a bad feeling because of how hard he pressed. I’m sorry I didn’t call the police immediately but when I went out shortly I didn’t see him anywhere so I don’t know where he went after me. Just thought everyone should be aware of this guy. He didn’t have a clipboard either, he just had an iPad.”
Several other posters commented that the same thing had happened at their home. We do not know if he is real or not or this is a diversion tactic to case your home . We suggest playing it safe and handle with care by calling the Ridgewood Police (201) 652-3900. Don’t make yourself a victim .
Wyckoff NJ, the Wyckoff police have again issued a warning to Orange and Rockland customers .The latest rash of phony-bill payment schemes in which imposters pose as utility company representatives and call customers, demanding immediate payment for what the crooks fraudulently claim are delinquent electric and gas bills.
These scammers pose as utility company employees and call customers saying their service will be disconnected if they do not make an immediate payment using a prepaid debit card or even a credit card.
Orange and Rockland does not accept payment from prepaid debit cards.
Orange and Rockland urges anyone who is contacted in this fashion to break off contact with the crooks and call O&R Customer Service at 1-877-434-4100.
If you are contacted by someone who says they represent O&R and you wish to verify their identity, call O&R at 1-877-434-4100 to verify their identity and the nature of their business with you.
Remember, when in doubt, hang up the phone or break off contact, and call O&R at 1-877-434-4100 to verify that the person you are dealing with is an O&R employee conducting legitimate business.
Orange & Rockland and its subsidiary, Rockland Electric Company, serve approximately 300,000 electric customers in New York and northern New Jersey, and more than 130,000 natural gas customers in New York.
Wyckoff NJ, the Wyckoff Police Department has issued a scam alert , from time to time, residents receive calls from people claiming to be the Wyckoff Police Department or other various Law Enforcement organizations requesting donations. Please note that the Wyckoff Police Department / Wyckoff PBA, will never contact you via the telephone and will only do so through the US Postal mail. You can always request the information be mailed to you should you fear the organization calling appears to not be legit. If you need any further assistance with the organizations validity, please feel free to call our department for assistance.
Ridgewood NJ, the Ridgewood Police report that a Steilen Avenue resident responded to Ridgewood Police headquarters to report being the victim of a fraud on February 12th. The victim reported she was advised all her Apple devices were compromised by a pop-up on her iPad from Apple technical support. A person then contacted her by phone and she was then convinced into purchasing a three year virus protection which she later learned was a scam after providing credit card information.
In “Tech Support Scams” such as this scammers call and claim to be computer techs associated with well-known companies like Microsoft or Apple. Other scammers send pop-up messages that warn about computer problems. They say they’ve detected viruses or other malware on your computer. They claim to be “tech support” and will ask you to give them remote access to your computer. Eventually, they’ll diagnose a non-existent problem and ask you to pay for unnecessary or even harmful services.
If you get an unexpected pop-up, call, spam email or other urgent message about problems with your computer, stop. Don’t click on any links, don’t give control of your computer and don’t send any money.
All:
We strongly recommend that you require proof of identity and a valid original discharge paper if you approached by any individual asking for money for any reason. We here at Bergen County have reason to believe that there is a person or persons claiming that we have sent them to you or your organization for cash/money. Please be aware that we have not sent them to you. Also, we require proof of veteran status and suggest that you get proofs from anyone asking at your bar, facility or on the phone for money regardless of how compelling their circumstance may seem. Please share this alert with your members and contact us if you know of anyone who has encountered this situation. If you have already been contacted and or gave cash please let us know.
This email is being distributed as per Bergen County Veteran Services, Director A.J. Luna, please use your careful discretion and contact at 201-336-6326 or 201-336-6329 with any questions or concerns.
Susan Krause
Administrative Assistant
Department of Human Services
Division of Veteran Services
One Bergen County Plaza, 2nd Floor
Hackensack, NJ 07601
Phone: 201-336-6329
Fax: 201-336-6327
E-mail: skrause@co.bergen.nj.us
New Orleans LA, the Nigerian Prince has been found and he is a white guy from New Orleans . Police in New Orleans have arrested a 67-year-old man after he allegedly helped swindle people out of thousands of dollars as a middleman in a “Nigerian prince” Internet scam.
Michael Neu, 67, was a middle-man in a scam that involved co-conspirators in Nigeria, report says. (Slidell Police Department)
Michael Neu, of Slidell, is facing 269 counts of wire fraud and one count of money laundering, the New Orleans Advocate reported.
The “Nigerian Prince” phishing scam involves getting an email from a Nigerian official who claims the recipient has been named a beneficiary in a will and will inherit at least $1 million. The victim is then asked to send personal information which is used to con them out of their money.
“Most people laugh at the thought of falling for such a fraud, but law enforcement officials report annual losses of millions of dollars to these schemes,” a police report said.
In Ridgewood variants of this scam seem to be rampant and many residents continue to fall for them.
Ridgewood NJ, Simply put, the situation involving Parkmobile constitutes a blatant case of FRAUD.
Officers of Parkmobile convinced elected officials to adopt a formal resolution that approved the signing of a contract with their company. The adopted resolution stated in plain English that the Village would not be charged in any way, shape, or form. All costs were to be paid for by users on a per transaction basis. Then, Parkmobile somehow convinced former Village Manager Roberta Sonenfeld to sign a contract granting Parkmobile a percentage of the parking revenue from every transaction involving their app.
Bait and switch, plain and simple. One bill of goods was sold to the Council, another was sold to Roberta Sonenfeld.
FRAUD I say. I maintain the contract is invalid because it is in direct conflict with what our elected officials were told, and what they approved via resolution.
I’m about to call up that attorney who is handling the case against the Board of Education (Rosemarie Aronold of Fort Lee) and ask her to file a class action suit against Parkmobile for triple damages, court costs, and attorney’s fees.
Hackemsack NJ, The Bergen County Sheriff’s Office has been receiving reports of an attempted criminal scam where people are being contacted via telephone by someone claiming to be a member of our agency asking for money to satisfy a warrant for contempt of a Grand Jury appearance. The Bergen County Sheriff’s Office DOES NOT ask for money over the phone. Do not give anyone claiming to be a member of the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office any payment over the phone
Ridgewood NJ, The Ridgewood Police Department would like to remind all citizens of the increased amount of scams occurring and specifically the scams involving computer cleaning or any that request payments over the phone with the use of gift cards. Always investigate the communications made through postal mail, telephone, and/or the internet to prevent fraud and deceptive activity. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Ridgewood Police Department to ensure you’re not becoming a victim of these scams.
On September 29, a South Pleasant Avenue resident reported being the victim of a fraud in the past. The victim reported discovering a suspicious email which attempted to confirm a fraudulent credit card purchase. The email hyperlink attempted to obtain her personal information as well as her credit card number. The victim reported she cancelled her credit card after reporting the incident to her credit card company.
A Sterling Place resident responded to Ridgewood Police headquarters on September 27, to report fraud and theft of impersonation in the past. The victim reported an unknown actor did use the victim’s identity to open and access several accounts without authorization. The Ridgewood Detective Bureau is investigating the incidents.
Ridgewood NJ, New Jersey has a long and proud history of public corruption. A dozen Garden State mayors who have been forced to resign over the past decade due to criminal convictions. Mostly Democrats (10) ,but a few Republicans trying to get in on the action .
Paterson Mayor Jose “Joey” Torres, a Democrat, pleaded guilty on Friday to conspiracy to commit official misconduct for having employees with the Department of Public Works perform work for the mayor and his family members while bilking the city out of overtime. Torres follows a long line of Mayoral criminality .
Passaic Mayor Alex Blanco, a Democrat, was sentenced in April to more than two years in prison after pleading guilty to a federal bribery charge for soliciting $110,000 in bribes from developers in exchange for sending federal housing funds their way.
Passaic Mayor Samuel “Sammy” Rivera, a Democrat, pleaded guilty in 2008 to extortion for accepting $5,000 in cash from an insurance brokerage firm. Rivera, who was among 11 public officials swept up in a statewide FBI sting, was sentenced to 21 months in prison.
Newark Mayor Sharpe James, a Democrat, was convicted in 2008 on federal fraud and conspiracy charges for helping a woman described as his mistress buy nine plots in a city redevelopment zone, among other acts of wrongdoing. James was sentenced to 27 months in prison.
Trenton Mayor Tony Mack, a Democrat, was sentenced in May 2014 to nearly five years in prison in connection with a $119,000 bribery scheme linked to a parking garage project operated by FBI informants.
Hamilton Mayor John Bencivengo, a Democrat, was released from prison in December 2014 after serving more than 18 months in federal prison. He was sentenced to 38 months in prison for accepting $12,400 in bribes from Marliese Ljuba, a close friend and health insurance broker for the school district.
Hoboken Mayor Peter Cammaranno, a Democrat, was among 44 people swept up in Operation Bid Rig. Cammarano, who’d been in office for only 22 days before his arrest, was sentenced in August 2010 to two years in prison, and later disbarred.
Secaucus Mayor Dennis Elwell, a Democrat, was sentenced in April 2012 to two-and-a-half years in prison after he was convicted of accepting $10,000 in cash through a middleman from Solomon Dwek, as part of Operation Bid Rig. Elwell, who resigned from his position shortly after his arrest, later lost an appeal challenging his conviction.
Northvale Mayor Paul Bazela, a Democrat and a former foreman for the Passaic Valley Sewerage Commission, pleaded guilty to theft in March 2016 to having his workers perform renovations at the home of the commission’s former superintendent, Kevin Keogh, while on agency time. He was sentenced to three years in prison.
Guttenberg Mayor David Delle Donna, a Democrat, and his wife were each sentenced in 2008 to more than four years in prison for accepting more than $40,000 in gifts and cash campaign contributions from a local bar owner.
Of coarse Democrats don’t have all the fun ;
Manalapan Mayor Andrew Lucas, a Republican, was sentenced to five years in prison for fraud in connection with a $1.2 million farm deal. Convicted on charges of wire fraud, an illegal monetary transaction, loan application fraud, false statements to the IRS, aggravated identity theft, obstruction of a grand jury investigation and falsification of records in a federal investigation.
Chesterfield Mayor Lawrence Durr, a Republican, was sentenced in April 2016 to four years probation after he admitted to filing false ethics disclosure forms that failed to disclose his financial relationship with a real estate developer. Durr was accused in an indictment of selling development rights on his farm to Renaissance Properties at a profit and then using his official positions to advance the company’s interests in Chesterfield.
![Orange-and-Rockland-Featured-compressor[1]](https://theridgewoodblog.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/BESTOrange-and-Rockland-Featured-compressor1.jpg "Orange and Rockland Power Customers Hit by Payment Scam")
![Coming-To-America-DI[1]](https://theridgewoodblog.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Coming-To-America-DI1.jpg "Louisiana man charged in 'Nigerian Prince' Email Scam")
