Union County Sheriff Peter Corvelli is warning residents about an ongoing phone scam in which callers impersonate Sheriff’s Officers and demand payment for “service of process” or “missed jury duty.”
Versions of this scam have circulated for several years. In the latest reports, callers have used the names of current and retired Union County Sheriff’s Officers to make their demands appear legitimate. Residents are urged to remain cautious, even when a caller identifies themselves using the name of an actual officer.
The Union County Sheriff’s Office will never call a resident and demand payment over the phone for any reason. This includes demands related to service of process or jury duty, as well as requests for payment by gift card, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency.
“These callers count on fear and urgency to get people to pay before they stop and think,” said Sheriff Peter Corvelli. “No one from our office will ever call you and demand money. If you get a call like this, hang up.”
Residents who receive a suspicious call should take the following steps:
- Hang up. Do not stay on the line or argue with the caller, even if they provide the name of a real Sheriff’s Officer.
- Protect your information. Do not provide personal or financial information in response to an unsolicited call.
- Verify directly. To confirm whether someone is a Union County Sheriff’s Officer, contact the Sheriff’s Office directly at 908-527-4450 during business hours. Do not use a telephone number supplied by the caller or make a payment because the caller insists the matter is urgent.
- Report the call. Residents who believe they have been contacted by a scammer should report the incident to their local police department’s non-emergency line.
The Sheriff’s Office encourages residents to discuss this scam with friends, family members, and neighbors, particularly older relatives who may be targeted. Sharing this warning can help others recognize a fraudulent call before providing money or personal information.
For more information about the Union County Sheriff’s Office or programs, please visit https://ucnj.org/sheriff/.