The Hoboken Police Department is warning residents to be aware of scam artists seeking charitable donations through Zelle or Venmo. Detective Lieutenant Jonathan Mecka says Hoboken Police are currently investigating several such incidents in the area.
The Police Department issued the following press release this morning:
For Release – The Hoboken Police Department
The HPD would like to alert our residents to a trending crime occurring in our area. Please use caution when being approached by any individuals asking for charitable donations. We are currently investigating a number of similar incidents where:
Unknown males seeking donations approach victims stating they are only accepting donations through Zelle or Venmo. This request is only an attempt to gain control of the victim’s phone and bank account information. If the victim agrees to donate, the actor, then requests their phone so he can enter his account information. The actor then completes a fraudulent transaction and within seconds transfers a large sum of money to their preferred destination.
This has been a recurring modus operandi within our jurisdiction, we are currently investigating 4 other incidents. The incidents are occurring in close proximity to the New Jersey Transit Path Area, specifically at the entrance of Pier A Park and Washington Street. Most of these incidents include actors waiting for victims to exit the terminal during rush hour times and approach them for donations and subsequently fraudulently obtain funds from the victims.
The Hoboken Police Department is working with New Jersey Transit Police Department in an effort to identify and apprehend the suspects.
Should you get approached in this manner please contact your local police department.
Hoboken Police Department 201-420-2100
New Jersey Transit Police Department 973-378-6565
If you become a victim of one of the following type crimes always report it to your local police department then file a report on these sites:
ID Theft
FTC.gov
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is a free, one-stop resource at www.IdentityTheft.gov. To report and get assistance with recovering from identity theft. Also, you may report fraud to the FTC.
SSA.gov
If you believe someone is using your Social Security number, or has committed fraud using your SSN, contact the Social Security Administration (SSA) fraud hotline at 1-800-269-0271.
Online Crime or this Donation type of crime
IC3.gov
If you are a victim of online crime, you can file a complaint with the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at www.IC3.gov
Detective Lieutenant Jonathan Mecka
