Brick Police warn of financial scams during holiday season

    The Brick Township Police Department is warning residents to be aware of financial scams during the holiday season.

    Several people have been victimized by telephone financial scams since last week, said Sgt. Henry J. Drew in a release.

    “In one of the instances, a local business was advised that JCP&L would disconnect their electric service unless they sent a significant amount of money via prepaid money cards. Further investigation revealed that the caller was committing a fraud upon the business owner,” Sgt. Drew said.

    The utility said that it does not utilize other companies to handle service connections, request people to pay with money cards, or ask for personal information over the phone, adding that it has received several reports of these types of scams, according to the release. 

    • WHYY thanks our sponsors — become a WHYY sponsor

    In another instance, several thousand dollars were stolen from a resident’s checking account after the victim provided a fake charity with account information when advised that donations were previously promised. 

    Police advise residents to not provide personal information over the telephone or internet, suggesting to record the number and “verify as best as you can.” 

    Anyone who needs helping verifying any requests is asked to contact the Brick Township Police Department at (732) 262-1100. 

    WHYY is your source for fact-based, in-depth journalism and information. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on financial support from readers like you. Please give today.

    Want a digest of WHYY’s programs, events & stories? Sign up for our weekly newsletter.

    Together we can reach 100% of WHYY’s fiscal year goal