The Bergen County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents about scam phone calls designed to look as if they are coming directly from law enforcement.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, scammers are manipulating caller ID so the incoming call may appear to come from the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office. In some cases, the callers are also using the names of current or retired officers in an effort to make the call sound legitimate.
Officials say the scammers may tell residents that they have an outstanding warrant, missed jury duty, or owe a fine or other fee. The caller may then demand immediate payment and threaten arrest if the person does not comply.
The warning is simple: the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office will not call residents and demand immediate payment over the phone.
Residents are also being reminded that seeing the Sheriff’s Office on caller ID — or hearing the name of a real officer — does not mean the call is genuine. Caller ID information can be manipulated.
Anyone receiving a suspicious call should avoid providing or confirming personal or financial information. Residents should not send money, purchase gift cards or transfer cryptocurrency at the request of the caller.
Instead, hang up and independently contact the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office or your local police department to verify whether the call was legitimate.
The warning is especially important because these scams often rely on urgency and fear. A caller claiming that an arrest is imminent may try to prevent the victim from taking time to verify the story.
If someone tells you that you must pay immediately to stay out of jail, hanging up may be the most important first step.
Sources: News 12 New Jersey — Bergen County Sheriff’s Office warning, published September 20, 2026.
By NJ RADAR Team