Prosecutor and Sheriff Warn Essex County Families About Fake Bail Scam — One Victim Sent More Than $11,000
Scammers posing as law enforcement officers, attorneys or court staff are calling families of recently arrested people and demanding bail through apps like Zelle and Apple Pay, the Essex County Prosecutor's Office warns — and one victim has already sent more than $11,000.
Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II and Essex County Sheriff Amir Jones are urging the public to remain vigilant following reports of a bail scam targeting the families of recently arrested individuals, the prosecutor's office said in an official warning. Scammers are posing as law enforcement officers, attorneys or court personnel and demanding bail payments through mobile payment apps such as Apple Pay and Zelle, according to the prosecutor's office. One victim reported sending more than $11,000 via Zelle.
The prosecutor's office reminded residents that under New Jersey's criminal justice reform, bail is a thing of the past in virtually all instances, and that while bail may be required in certain cases, no legitimate request for payment will ever be made through Apple Pay, Zelle or any other digital platform. Anyone who receives a call demanding a bail payment should not send money, the office said.
Anyone who believes they have been targeted by the scam is asked to contact the Essex County Prosecutor's Office Tips Line at 1-877-TIPS-4EC (1-877-847-7432), the office said. All calls will be kept confidential.
