HUNTERDON COUNTY, NJ — Prosecutor Renée M. Robeson and Sheriff Frederick. W. Brown are raising awareness among residents about the increasing prevalence of internet and phone scams. The FBI has reported phishing schemes as the top internet crime, with New Jersey ranking 6th in the nation based on victim financial loss, totaling $284 million.
Two specific types of scams, encountered in Hunterdon County, are highlighted for public caution:
- Pig Butchering Schemes:
- Originates from a seemingly accidental message, escalating to an online investment scam.
- Scammers often create a facade of trust through casual conversations about personal life.
- Victims are lured into making modest investments in cryptocurrency or wiring funds, initially showing gains to entice further investment.
- Forex Scams:
- Involves high-risk currency trading, where losses can be substantial.
- Many broker-dealers in this market are unregulated, posing significant risks.
- Transactions through wire transfers or cryptocurrencies are irreversible and should be avoided.
- Residents are advised against engaging with cold contacts from social media or unknown platforms.
- Additional demands for money to release funds from an account are likely fraudulent.
Residents are urged to exercise caution with online interactions and investments, and to report any suspicious activities to the authorities.