Galloway Police Warn of Spike in Scams

Galloway Township Police are warning residents about the rise in the number of telephone, email and letter scams involving the theft of money in exchange for products and services that are never fulfilled.

Many of the scams begin with an announcement that the recipient has inherited something or won something in a lottery, police said. There have also been some that reference tax benefits, discount cruise tickets, secret shopper items, job listings or shipments, among other claims. Craigslist sales and fake ebay accounts are also involved in some scams.

While the department doesn't describe the numbers as an "overabundance," police report that over 20 scams were reported over the last year.

Police report that investigations into these scams usually lead to dead ends or out of country destinations, and can't be prosecuted. Some scams use phone numbers that "appear to be local, but actually come from outside the country."

While no specific target has been identified, many of the targets have been senior citizens, police said.

Police advise that anyone receiving a questionable call or letter require an in-person meeting or check the "snopes" website before giving out personal information or money.

Galloway Police are available to the public 24 hours a day, seven days a week by calling 609-652-3705 for non-emergencies, or 9-1-1 for emergencies.