By: Najla Alexander
Middlesex County officials announced the launch of a new public awareness campaign, “Be a Hero Against Fraud,” to educate residents on how to recognize, avoid, and report scams and other fraudulent activity targeting individuals, families, seniors, and businesses.
As fraud schemes continue to evolve through phone calls, text messages, emails, social media, artificial intelligence, and online platforms, the campaign provides residents with resources to help protect their personal information and financial security, according to MCPO officials.
Middlesex County officials say the “Be a Hero Against Fraud” campaign highlights common scams currently affecting communities, including property fraud, cryptocurrency fraud, imposter scams, phishing emails and text messages, and financial exploitation targeting older adults.
“Scammers are becoming more sophisticated every day, using fear, urgency, and technology to exploit residents and steal personal information and money,” said Middlesex County Commissioner Director Ronald G. Rios.
"Through the ‘Be a Hero Against Fraud’ campaign, Middlesex County is taking a proactive approach to educating the public, raising awareness about emerging scams, and ensuring residents have access to the tools and information necessary to safeguard their finances, identities, and personal information.”
“Fraud prevention is a shared responsibility that depends on awareness, vigilance, and timely reporting,” said Middlesex County Commissioner, Deputy Director, and Chair of the Public Safety Committee, Shanti Narra.
“By encouraging residents to recognize suspicious activity and report scams to local law enforcement and Middlesex County Consumer Affairs, this campaign helps strengthen our collective response to fraud and supports safer communities throughout the County.”
The campaign encourages residents to stay alert for red flags commonly associated with fraud, including unsolicited requests for personal or financial information, demands for immediate payment via gift cards or cryptocurrency, suspicious links or attachments, and impersonations by individuals purporting to be government agencies, law enforcement, banks, or utility companies, MCPO officials said.
Residents are encouraged to:
-Never share personal, banking, or financial information with unknown individuals or unsolicited callers.
-Verify suspicious communications directly with official organizations using trusted contact information.
-Avoid clicking on unknown links or downloading unexpected attachments.
-Be cautious of urgent requests for payment, especially through wire transfers, gift cards, or cryptocurrency.
-Talk with family members, friends, and older adults about common scams and warning signs.
-Report suspected scams or fraudulent activity to local law enforcement and Middlesex County Consumer Affairs at: Consumer@co.middlesex.nj.us or 732-398-2300.
The campaign is part of Middlesex County’s ongoing efforts to promote public safety, consumer protection, and community education, according to Middlesex County officials.
To learn more about the “Be a Hero Against Fraud” campaign and access fraud prevention resources, visit middlesexcountynj.gov/fraud.