Crime & Safety

Mercer Sheriff Warns Of Scam Calls Impersonating His Office

Phone scammers identifying as officers from the County Sheriff's office have been asking residents for bank account information or cash.

MERCER COUNTY, NJ — Mercer County Sheriff Jack Kemler on Friday issued a warning regarding scammers posing as Mercer County Sheriff’s Officers.

The sheriff’s office said they received numerous complaints over the past month about phone scammers asking residents for personal bank account information or cash payments. The scammers identify themselves as Mercer County Sheriff’s Officers with along with fictitious badge numbers.

“I can state with confidence the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office will never call anyone and ask for their bank account number or to meet in an odd location to pay bail or fines with cash,” Kemler said.

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Authorities said scammers also suggest meeting at a location and to bring cash for bail or fines. Failing which, they will be taken into custody.

Officials said it was difficult to crack down telephone scammers because calls are often generated from phone banks located out of state. In this most calls originated from north and South New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

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While the calls remain under investigation, the sheriff’s office has advised caution.

If a resident suspects a particular telephone call may be a scam, do not give out any personal information and simply hang up.

Anyone who receives such a call and is uncertain of its validity should report the call to the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office at 609-989-6111.

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