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The Asbury Park Police Department has issued an alert for resident and business owners to be on notice that individuals are posing as utility and IRS officials to unlawfully solicit money.

The alert comes as a result of an uptick in scam reports, according to the advisory issued Wednesday afternoon.

Scammers, identifying themselves as NJAWC or JCP&L representatives, threaten serve shut off unless arrears are paid immediately, officials said. Individuals are then instructed to purchase “Money Paks” or “Green Dot” cards for a specified amount and told to call a specific telephone number with the cards’ numeric access code, thereby allowing the scammer access to the cash.

Similarly, individuals posing as an IRS official inform individuals that an active warrant is issued for owed back taxes, officials said. Individuals are told to purchase an “Apple ID” card for a specified amount.

Police officials say if there is any doubt, call headquarters immediately at 732-774-1300. For more information on these and other scams, click here.

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