Middlesex County Prosecutor Andrew Carey has issued a warning about phone scams now under investigation. Watch video
NEW BRUNSWICK -- Middlesex County Prosecutor Andrew Carey issued a warning about two unrelated telephone scams that he said could bilk residents out of thousands of dollars.
"These types of scams in which criminals use fear tactics for financial gain are becoming more prevalent throughout New Jersey," Carey said. "These criminals often use personal information of the victims or their families to convince their targets to act."
The prosecutor urged "all of our citizens to remain vigilant, be skeptical of such phone calls, and to contact the police if they receive such a phone call."
Carey and Middlesex Borough police Chief Matthew Geist said in one scam a group of unknown individuals called potential targets, told them that one of their relative has been kidnapped and that the family must wire money to ensure the victim's safe return.
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Carey said in one incident, a couple, whose names are being withheld, transferred thousands of dollars to various locations in Mexico before realizing there was no kidnapping and the threat was fictitious.
He said relatives are advised they should immediately check on the whereabouts of the alleged kidnap victim, who in reality has not been abducted, and to immediately notify police.
In another scam, Carey and Highland Park police Chief Stephen Rizco said thieves will contact their target and advise that they are a legitimate computer services company and need to remotely access the individual's computer to purge a "virus." In reality, no such virus was detected.
Carey said once the scammers obtain access, they will lock the individual's computer and demand cash payments to release the computer from their grip. He said in one incident, the targeted victim immediately suspected a trap and hung up the phone. An investigation is active in the case, the prosecutor said.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office at (732) 745-3300 or their local police departments if they receive such calls.
Sue Epstein may be reached at sepstein@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @susan_epstein. Find NJ.com on Facebook.