Carteret, NJ – Mayor Dan Reiman issued a warning to residents about an ongoing phone scam that solicits donations to the fire department or an emergency service department. A number of residents received solicitation calls in which the caller identified himself as a member of the Mayor’s Office.
“No such calls have been authorized,” said Mayor Reiman. “The Borough of Carteret has never and will not ever, either directly or through a third party, authorize or solicit a donation for the Fire Department, Police Department or any other emergency service department.”
A report of these calls has been made to the Carteret Police Department (CPD) and a Phone Scam investigation is under way. Mayor Reiman urged residents receiving such a call to immediately hang up the phone and call the police to make a report.
The Borough of Carteret does not engage in cold call telemarketing activities and as a policy will never contact anyone for personal or financial information over the phone. The CPD recommends treating every solicitation call as a scam until proven otherwise.
“Residents are reminded to be very cautious when dealing with people soliciting for donations through e-mail or phone calls,” said John Pieczyski, Chief of the Carteret Police Department. “They should always research the company before sending any money or donations.”
The CPD offers the following tip-offs to help identify phone scams:
- A caller who requests for immediate action.
- A caller who requests for a credit or debit card or any bank account information.
- A caller who is unresponsive to questions or too quick to answer.
- The caller will not provide written information or references.
Call the Carteret Police Department immediately at (732) 541-4181 to file a report if you receive a donation solicitation call.
