Oceanport Police Warn Residents of Local Scams and Criminal Activity

The Oceanport Borough Police have received numerous complaints and are investigating reports of various fraud schemes that have taken place in the borough. 

One type of scheme involves the sending of a fraudulent check to the victim with instructions to cash the check, keep a portion of the money, and/or deposit the rest in another account belonging to a third party or mail a check back with the balance. 

Another scheme that has been reported is where the victim is advised that they have won a lottery, vacation, or other prize.  The victim is instructed to send money to the company that had advised them of the winnings as shipping, postage, insurance or administrative fees.  Once that money is received by the company, the"free" prize, gift, or vacation will be sent.  Unfortunately, once these scammers get the victims money, the prize never materializes. 

This type of fraud is on the rise, according to Patrolman Steven Briskey.

Residents are advised to be aware of these scams and to look for warning signs:

• Most of the letters and checks received by victims look authentic.  
• Never send money or give out personal information such as credit card numbers, bank account numbers, dates of birth, or social security numbers to unfamiliar companies or third parties.  
• Do not pay for services promised, only pay for services delivered.  
• Always take your time in making a decision.  Legitimate companies will not pressure you to make a snap decision.  
• Never respond to an offer you do not understand thoroughly.  

If you receive suspicious offers, call the Police or bring in the documents to Police Headquarters and show them to an officer.  Always remember, if it's too good to be true, it is! If you think you have been a victim of a scam or would like additional information regarding schemes, please call Oceanport Police at 732-222-6300.

 The latest type of fraud investigations involve persons posing as relatives in need of assistance.  For example, the victim will receive a call from a person claiming to be a family member stranded in an off shore location in need of financial assistance due to some type of problem or accident.  The fake relative will request that a large amount of money be wired to an off shore location so that bail, fines, travel costs, etc will be able to be paid.  It is only after the money is sent that the victim realizes that the relative in need is actually a fraud.  This type of scam and fraud is also on the rise, and has been reported throughout Monmouth County.

A majority of the phone calls made involved in the schemes  are coming from off-shore locations, Briskey said.

The police did not want to compromise the case by reporting too much information, but the police want the residents to be aware of what is going on within the community.

The Oceanport Borough Police Department would also like to make residents aware of criminals disguised as utility employees. Other Monmouth County Police Departments have reported that these criminals come to residences and explain to the owners that they are utility workers who need to check the residence. 

Once the rouse works and the culprit gains access to the home, they create a diversion and try to steal valuables, such as jewelry, wallets, cash, etc. 

Oceanport Police is issuing the warning so that all citizens are aware of what is going on nearby. If somebody tries to gain entrance to your home that you are unsure about please contact the Oceanport Police, and keep in mind that real utility employees carry identification. 

Oceanport Police encourage our residents to be aware of these types frauds and to report any suspicious activity to Oceanport Police at 732-222-6300.