Warning: “NJDOH” Phone Scam Targeting Residents—How to Protect Your Identity

NJDOH Alert: If You Get This Call About “Illegal Prescriptions,” Hang Up Immediately

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, the New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) has issued an urgent alert following a surge in sophisticated phone scams. Scammers are now impersonating state health officials to trick residents into revealing sensitive personal data, often using “fear tactics” involving illegal drug activity.

If you receive a call that sounds like it’s from the NJDOH, you need to be on high alert. Here is the breakdown of the scam and how to keep your information safe.

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The “Illegal Prescription” Trap: How the Scam Works

Fraudsters are using a specific script designed to cause panic. Here is what they are telling New Jersey residents:

1. The Claim: The caller claims to be an employee of the NJDOH.

2. The Hook: They tell you that your personal information has been compromised or stolen.

3. The Scare: They allege that someone is currently using your name to illegally obtain prescription drugs in another state.

4. The Goal: Under the guise of “fixing” the problem or “verifying your identity,” they ask for your Social Security number, birth date, or financial details.

Red Flags to Watch For

Government agencies like the NJDOH will never call you out of the blue to ask for your Social Security number or to discuss illegal out-of-state drug activity over the phone.

• Pressure Tactics: If the caller insists you must act “immediately” to avoid arrest or legal trouble, it is a scam.

• Request for Personal Info: The NJDOH already has the records they need; they will not ask you to provide your full SSN or bank info over a cold call.

• Spoofed Numbers: Scammers can make your Caller ID display “NJ Dept of Health,” but this does not mean the call is legitimate.

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What Should You Do if You Receive a Call?

The New Jersey Department of Health’s advice is simple: Hang up immediately.

• Do Not Engage: Don’t press any buttons or speak to a “representative.”

• Verify Independently: If you are genuinely concerned about your identity, hang up and call the official NJDOH number found on the official state website.

• Report the Fraud: You can report these calls to the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

Important Note: Sharing this warning with elderly family members or neighbors is vital, as scammers often target vulnerable populations with these “legal threat” scripts.

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