N.J. Attorney General warns of scammers posing as government officials
It’s highly unlikely the New Jersey Office of Attorney General owes you money as part of a multi-million dollar legal settlement.
So if you get a letter saying so, consider yourself warned.
N.J. Attorney General Jeffrey Chiesa and the Division of Consumer Affairs are warning customers about such a letter that bears the AG’s logo and seal.
“This letter represents an emerging scam in which con artists are using the names of government agencies – including the SEC, and now the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office – in order to trick victims into opening themselves up to identity theft,” Chiesa said in the announcement.
People as far away as Baltimore have received an 11-page “Notice of Remedy and Settlement of Class Action” via email this week encouraging them to send their social security numbers, bank account information and other personal details to claim their part of the fictitious settlement.
Anyone who’s been contacted with the letter should call the Division of Consumer Affairs’ Consumer Service Center Hotline at 800-242-5946 (toll-free in New Jersey) or 973-504-6200.
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.