Morris County Sheriff James M. Gannon: Remain Vigilant to COVID-19 Scams

Published on May 01, 2020

Morris County Sheriff James M. Gannon advises the community to be alert to a recent scam in which imposters, exploiting the COVID-19 pandemic and targeting the elderly, claim cash bail is needed to free a person from incarceration.

A woman in Morris County recently fell prey to the scam in which she was contacted over the phone by a person purporting to be from a bail bond company and claiming that a relative of hers needed cash for bail after being charged with a crime.

Morris County Sheriff James M. Gannon Morris County Sheriff James M. Gannon

The perpetrator tried to add credence to his story by saying a courier would go to the woman's home to limit the potential for the spread of COVID-19 by having her avoid travel. The perpetrator went to the victim's home equipped with a mask and glove to retrieve the cash, according to authorities.

It's egregious that scammers exploit people's fears and anxieties during a crisis. This is the latest twist on the variation of scams that target elderly and other vulnerable people and shows a particular ruthlessness when perpetrators show up at homes, Sheriff Gannon said.

Sheriff Gannon joins police in Morris County in warning residents to NEVER provide cash, checks nor Green Dot MoneyPak cards, nor financial or personal identifying information to a stranger over the telephone, through e-mail or in response to a home visit.

CRIME PREVENTION TIPS TO AVOID FALLING VICTIM TO PHONE OR DOOR-TO-DOOR SCAMS:

  • Always be suspicious of callers who claim urgent circumstances and demand immediate payment for any reason;
  • Don't agree to let a stranger visit your home to collect money or property;
  • Do not engage but report to police unsolicited, door-to-door attempts to sell you products that purport to cure or treat COVID-19.
  • Take notes of suspicious calls requesting money and try to gather information, including the incoming call number if available;
  • Call your local police department to report receiving calls pressuring you for money.

Sheriff Gannon previously warned of other fraud schemes that emerged when the COVID-19 outbreak began, including emails or solicitations that seek charitable contributions or offer general financial relief, cures, vaccines and Coronavirus testing kits.

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