New Jersey police department warns about fake cop phone call scam

GLOUCESTER TWP., N.J. (WPVI) -- Police are warning residents about a phone scam where callers impersonate a Gloucester Township, New Jersey officer and try to convince potential victims they are involved in a law enforcement investigation.

A resident recently received one of those calls.

"This is Sergeant Dave Young with the Gloucester Township Police Department," the caller said. "I was trying to establish contact. This is in regards to a confidential legal matter. It's imperative that you give me a call back today at your earliest convenience."

There is just one problem: Sergeant Young doesn't exist.

"We don't have a Sergeant Dave Young here at Gloucester Township Police," Lieutenant Paul Fisher said Tuesday.

Fisher said the scammer tries to convince victims they have a warrant and must pay bail.

"It sounds believable, whether it's a person or AI, and they will have the resident believe it so much they will get up, and get ready, and start driving somewhere," Lieutenant Fisher said.

The caller then typically asks for payment in gift cards or cryptocurrency. In this case, the resident didn't fall for the scam, but Lieutenant Fisher said others have in the past.

Police ask residents to verify any suspicious calls by contacting the department directly. Officers will never request payment in gift cards or cryptocurrency.

"It seems like all these scams evolve, and we evolve with them," Fisher said.