Crime & Safety

Police Warn of Phone Scams

Senior citizens often targets of sweepstakes con

The Wyckoff Police Department cautions residents to be wary of ongoing telephone scams.

Chief Benjamin Fox said that two homes were contacted this past weekend, with one woman losing $100.

A 76-year-old woman informed police on Sunday that she had been contacted by someone who told her that she had won $2 million but would have to send a $100 money order to Jamaica, Fox said. The woman complied and was told there also were attorney fees to be paid. She satisfied the request to send a money order for $2,500 but canceled the transaction when she became suspicious, Fox said.

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The second intended victims were a 92-year-old man and his 87-year-old wife who also had been told that they won a lottery and would have to send processing fees. Fox said they rejected the offer but were told to provide credit card or bank information so the money could be directly deposited. When they again declined, Fox said their lives were verbally threatened, at which point they called police.

Fox advises residents that such scams are common and often operate from overseas, making investigation and prosecution difficult. The chief said that money is nearly impossible to recover if sent. Senior citizens are often targeted, and threats are often used. However, Fox said that no one would ever have to pay to get their winnings from a legitimate sweepstakes.

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Residents are asked to contact the Wyckoff police if they believe they may have been the victim of such fraudulent activity.


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