MAYS LANDING – The Atlantic County Sheriff’s Office Sept. 17 advised residents not to make that call. It sounds official, but it's not.
Atlantic County Sheriff Joseph O’Donoghue is advising residents to ignore voice or text messages from an officer named “Deputy Brian Turner,” that provides a phone number to call and other contact information to prevent legal consequences for failure to appear in court.
“We do not have a Deputy Turner,” the advisory states.
In the heading of the emergency scam alert posted on social media, the real Sheriff’s Office said, “Please do not respond to the following text or voice message that everyone is receiving that alleges to be from the Atlantic County Sheriff’s Office. We do not have a Deputy Turner. Do not call the phone number.”
It is a scam. Do not call or click on any links, the Sheriff advises.
Residents have been receiving text messages from a Deputy Turner of the “Civil Services Division” that includes the recipient’s name stating the department has received notification that the recipient failed to appear in court for federal jury duty on a certain date. The message further states that the recipient is subject to legal consequences unless they call the number provided to reschedule jury duty. It also states that because of COVID-19 protocols, appearing in person must also be scheduled in advance, instructing the recipient to respond to the number or email address provided in the message. It also provides a website where the recipient can instant message the fraudster.
Here is the scam text message being sent:
“The following is a recorded message from the Atlantic County Sheriffs Office pertaining to (YOUR NAME) good morning this is Deputy Brian Turner calling from the Atlantic County Sheriffs Office Civil Services Division. Our facility has been requested to contact you after receiving proper documentation indicating that you failed to appear on Friday, September 12 for your assigned term of service federal grand jury duty. This requires your attention to prevent possible legal consequences it is essential that you contact our office as soon as possible in order to reschedule. Our office is open until 6 PM and we are available to receive calls 24-7. You can reach us at 609-770-**** again that telephone number is 609-770-**** personal visits are welcome however due to COVID-19 protocols all visitors must schedule an appointment in advance to schedule an appointment please contact civil services at the number provided for your convenience you may also email us directly at info@ej***process.*** once again that email address is info@ej***process.*** Additionally you can utilize the instant messaging feature on our website at ej*** process.***. Simply click the messaging icon in the lower right corner to connect with a member of our staff immediately. If you are not the intended recipient of this message please disregard this call no further action is required on your part. Once more this is deputy Brian Turner you may also reach me at extension two for the civil services division thank you for addressing this matter promptly and have a good day…”
O’Donoghue recommends that anyone who may be concerned about the legitimacy of any call from someone claiming to be law enforcement, hang up and then call directly to the Atlantic County Sheriff’s Office at 609-909-7200 or local police department.
The Atlantic County Sheriff’s Office offers common sense tips to avoid becoming victim to a telephone scam:
• Be extremely suspicious of callers who demand immediate payments. Hang up immediately
• Do not call back on any number they provide. Call the Atlantic County Sheriff’s Office, ACSO directly 609-909-7200 or call your local police department directly.
• Never give out personal or financial information to unsolicited callers, including account numbers, Social Security numbers, birth dates, passwords or other identifying information.
• Never wire money, provide debt or credit card numbers numbers to someone you do not know.
• If you get an inquiry from someone who says they represent a company or a government agency seeking your personal information, hang up and call the phone number on your account statement or agency's website to verify the authenticity of the request. Hang up from the caller immediately.
• Don’t answer calls from numbers you don’t know. With spoofing becoming more common, question the number on the caller ID. Be cautious and verify the person on the other end of the phone by telling them you’ll call them or the company back.
• Don’t be afraid to tell the caller you need time to think about your decision. Talk with a trusted friend, family member or call your local police department.
