Essex County Sheriff’s Office

NEWS RELEASE 

May 18, 2023

Contact: Sheriff Armando Fontoura (973) 621-4105

 

Essex County Sheriff’s Office Issues Public Safety Service Announcement Regarding Fraudulent Calls

 

Newark, NJ — On Thursday, May 18th, Essex County Sheriff Armando B. Fontoura issued a Public Safety Service Announcement regarding fraudulent calls requesting money for outstanding warrants. According to Sheriff Fontoura, this week, the Essex County Sheriff’s Office was made aware of fraudulent calls going out to residents where the caller introduced himself as a member of the Essex County Sheriff’s Office. The fraudulent caller stated that there was a warrant out for the resident and that they needed to pay a fine to satisfy it.

 

Sheriff Fontoura implores the public not to provide personal information or payment to anyone calling and claiming to be affiliated with the Essex County Sheriff’s Office and says that no one from the Sheriff’s office will call a resident requesting money.

 

Sheriff Fontoura reminds Essex County residents of the following.

 

1. Anyone who contacts a resident about a legal issue in Essex County and requests payment electronically is a scam.
2. Never provide financial or personal information via telephone.
3. If you have never received a summons via mail, ignore the phone call and call the Essex County Sheriff’s Office at 973-621-4111 to report this occurrence.
4. Be aware even if the caller ID says “Essex County Sheriff’s Office” this does not mean it is from the Essex County Sheriff’s Office as scammers can spoof the Caller ID.