Scams targeting New Jersey seniors now, and how to shut them down
Fake grandkids, fake toll bills, fake PSE&G shutoffs. Learn the scripts scammers use, the red flags that give them away, and exactly who to call in New Jersey if money is already gone.
Scammers love older adults for one reason. That is where the savings are. They are organized, patient and very good at sounding official. Smart, careful people fall for them every day.
The numbers keep climbing. People aged 60 and older reported $7.7 billion in losses to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) in 2025, about 60% more than in 2024. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) counted $4.3 billion in reported losses for people 50 and older in 2025. Most fraud is never reported, so the real totals are higher.
This guide covers the scams hitting New Jersey right now, the words they use and what to do the moment something feels wrong.
What are the most common scams right now?
The grandparent or family emergency scam
The script: "Grandma, it's me. I was in an accident and I'm in jail. Please don't tell Mom." A second voice then plays a lawyer or police officer and asks for bail money. Some scammers now send a courier or rideshare driver to your door to pick up cash. Others ask you to mail cash hidden in a package.
The tell: secrecy and speed. Hang up and call your grandchild or their parent at a number you already know. Families can agree on a code word that only real relatives would know.
Medicare scams
The script: "This is Medicare. You are due a new card," or "You qualify for a free back brace, genetic test or glucose monitor. I just need your Medicare number." These spike during open enrollment, which runs October 15 to December 7.
The tell: Medicare does not call to sell you anything or visit your home. Only give your Medicare number to your doctors, insurers acting for you or your SHIP counselor. Read every Medicare Summary Notice and look for services you never got.
Tech support scams
The script: A pop-up freezes your screen with a loud alarm and a number to call "Microsoft" or "Apple." Or a caller says your computer is infected. They ask to take remote control, then "find" problems, or say your bank account is hacked and you must move money to a "safe" account.
The tell: Real tech companies do not cold call you or put phone numbers in pop-up warnings. Never let a stranger take control of your computer. Shut it down and restart.
Toll and E-ZPass text scams
The script: "NJ E-ZPass: You have an unpaid toll balance of $6.99. Pay now to avoid a late fee" with a link.
The tell: New Jersey officials say NJ E-ZPass does not send unsolicited texts asking for toll payments. The one exception is an account already in collections, where Credit Collection Services may text a phone number, the site ccspayment.com and a file number. Do not click. Log in to your E-ZPass account directly to check.
Utility shutoff scams
The script: "This is PSE&G. Your power will be shut off within the hour unless you pay now." The caller ID may even show PSE&G.
The tell: PSE&G says it does not send last-minute disconnection notices, demand a specific payment method or threaten customers. Real representatives reference your account details. Anyone asking for a prepaid debit card, gift card, cryptocurrency or payment app is a scammer. Hang up and call PSE&G at 1-800-436-7734. If you truly are behind, ask about assistance programs, and see our guide to food and utility help.
Romance scams
The script: A warm, attentive new friend online, often a widower, soldier overseas, oil rig worker or doctor abroad. Weeks of daily messages. Then a crisis: customs fees, a medical bill, a frozen account.
The tell: They always have a reason they cannot video chat or meet. Anyone you have never met in person who asks for money is a scammer. IC3 recorded $929 million in romance scam losses across all ages in 2025.
Investment and crypto scams
The script: A friendly stranger, sometimes from a "wrong number" text, introduces you to a trading app with amazing returns. You see your balance grow, but you can never withdraw.
The tell: Guaranteed high returns, pressure to buy cryptocurrency and a platform you cannot find independently. Cryptocurrency-related fraud led all categories in IC3 losses in 2025, at $11.3 billion across all ages.
Gift card scams
Gift cards show up in nearly every scam above. No real government agency, utility, police department or company will ever ask you to pay with a gift card. If someone tells you to buy gift cards and read them the numbers, it is a scam, every time.
What are the red flags?
- Urgency. "Right now," "within the hour," "before the bank closes."
- Secrecy. "Don't tell anyone," "don't tell the bank teller why."
- Odd payment. Gift cards, wire transfers, crypto, a Bitcoin ATM, payment apps or cash handed to a courier.
- Fear or excitement. Arrest, shutoff, a hacked account, a prize, a big return.
- They contacted you. Unexpected calls, texts, emails and pop-ups.
I already paid. What do I do now?
Act fast and do not let embarrassment slow you down. Speed is what gets money back.
- Call the company you paid through. Your bank or credit card company for a card, transfer or Zelle payment. The gift card company, using the number on the back of the card, for gift cards. Ask them to stop or reverse the payment.
- Change passwords. If you gave remote access to a computer, have it checked and change passwords from a different device.
- Report it. File with the agencies in the next section. Reports help investigators trace money and warn others.
- Watch for recovery scams. Scammers often call victims back pretending to be lawyers or agents who can recover your money for a fee. That is a second scam.
- Get help. The U.S. Department of Justice's National Elder Fraud Hotline, 1-833-372-8311 (1-833-FRAUD-11), helps people 60 and older report fraud and find next steps, weekdays 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern.
If your Social Security number or Medicare number was stolen, go to IdentityTheft.gov for a recovery plan.
Where do I report a scam in New Jersey?
| Where | What for | How |
|---|---|---|
| NJ Division of Consumer Affairs | Scams and consumer fraud in New Jersey | 1-800-242-5846 (in NJ) or 973-504-6200, or online |
| Federal Trade Commission | Any scam or fraud | reportfraud.ftc.gov |
| FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center | Online, text, crypto and investment fraud | ic3.gov |
| Local police | Any loss, and required by some banks | Non-emergency number, or 911 if a courier is coming |
| NJ Senior Medicare Patrol | Medicare and Medicaid fraud | 1-732-777-1940 ext. 1117 |
| Medicare | Suspicious charges or calls | 1-800-633-4227 (1-800-MEDICARE) |
Call 1-800-242-5846 for the Division of Consumer Affairs and 1-732-777-1940 ext. 1117 for Senior Medicare Patrol. If an older person is being exploited by someone they know, such as a relative, caregiver or new "friend," contact your county's Adult Protective Services. The ADRC at 1-877-222-3737 can connect you.
How do I protect my accounts?
Freeze your credit. A credit freeze stops anyone from opening new credit in your name. It is free at all three bureaus: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. It does not affect your credit score or your existing cards. You can lift it when you need to apply for credit.
Name a trusted contact. Brokerage firms must make reasonable efforts to collect the name of a trusted contact person under FINRA Rule 4512. That person cannot trade or move money. The firm can call them if it cannot reach you or suspects exploitation. Under FINRA Rule 2165, a firm that suspects exploitation can temporarily hold a disbursement for up to 25 business days, with possible extensions. Ask your bank whether it offers something similar.
Set up account alerts. Turn on text or email alerts for withdrawals, large purchases and password changes.
Check Medicare claims. Create a secure account at Medicare.gov to see Original Medicare claims as soon as they are processed.
Screen your calls. Let unknown numbers go to voicemail. Real callers leave messages.
Talk about scams before one happens, the way you would talk about a fire plan. Agree on a family code word. Offer to be the person your parent calls before sending money to anyone. Read our guide to estate planning in New Jersey for powers of attorney that protect a parent later on.
Being targeted is not a sign of weakness. It is a sign that criminals are working hard. The best defense is a habit: pause, hang up and check with someone you trust.
Common questions
What number do I call to report a scam in New Jersey?
Call the NJ Division of Consumer Affairs at 1-800-242-5846 (in New Jersey) or 973-504-6200, or file online. Also report to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov and, for online or crypto fraud, to the FBI at ic3.gov.
Does NJ E-ZPass text me about unpaid tolls?
New Jersey officials say NJ E-ZPass does not send unsolicited texts asking for toll payment. The exception is accounts in collections, where Credit Collection Services may text. Check your account directly instead of clicking any link.
Will PSE&G call and threaten to shut off my power today?
PSE&G says it does not send last-minute disconnection notices, threaten customers or demand a specific payment method like gift cards or crypto. Hang up and call PSE&G at 1-800-436-7734.
Is a credit freeze free?
Yes. Freezing and lifting your credit is free at Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. You need to place a freeze with each bureau.
Who handles Medicare fraud in New Jersey?
The NJ Senior Medicare Patrol at 1-732-777-1940 ext. 1117. You can also call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).
- AARP: FBI and FTC fraud reports for 2025
- NJ Attorney General: Consumer Affairs press release with complaint lines
- FTC: Scammers use fake emergencies to steal your money
- FTC: Don't open your door to grandparent scams
- Medicare.gov: Reporting Medicare fraud and abuse
- WBJB: State officials warn about E-ZPass texting scam
- PSE&G: Protect yourself this holiday season
- DOJ Elder Justice Initiative: Contact
- NJ Division of Aging Services: SHIP and SMP
- FTC: Credit freeze information
- FINRA: Rules 2165 and 4512
This guide is for general information. Program rules and income limits change, so confirm with the official source before you apply.
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