12/17/2025
Great advice!
Sheriff Mastronardy and the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office are committed to keeping our community informed about emerging threats both locally and nationwide. Recently, we’ve seen an increase in phone scams targeting residents, and new reports across the country show criminals are becoming more sophisticated in the methods they use.
Locally, scammers are:
• Pretending to be Sheriff’s Office personnel
• Claiming you owe unpaid fines, active warrants, or missed court dates
• Demanding immediate payment through Venmo, Cash App, cryptocurrency, or cash
• Using threats, urgency, and spoofed caller ID to pressure residents
• Claiming you are under a “gag order” and cannot speak to anyone
This is a scam.
The Ocean County Sheriff’s Office will never request payment over the phone, demand electronic transfers, or tell you that you cannot speak to family, friends, or law enforcement.
Nationally, recent reports also show criminals using advanced tactics such as drones to deliver contraband into correctional facilities, demonstrating how rapidly criminal schemes are evolving. While this specific threat is not occurring at our facility, it underscores the importance of staying alert and informed.
How to Protect Yourself
âś” Hang up on suspicious calls
âś” Never send money or personal information
âś” Verify by calling our office directly
✔ Talk with family members—especially seniors—who scammers often target
âś” Report any suspicious activity immediately
Your awareness is one of the strongest tools we have in keeping Ocean County safe.
📞 If you believe you received a similar call, please contact the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office at 732-288-7841.
http://abcnews.go.com/amp/US/threat-prisons-face-escalating-threat-drones/story?id=128243809