On September 23 at 11 AM, a Harrison resident received a call from an unknown person who alleged that the victim’s son had been in an accident and was being held captive in East Orange.  Praying on her concern for her son, the caller convinced the victim that in order for her family member to be released, she would have to wire $850 to an account in Puerto Rico.  Unfortunately, the victim wired the money at a nearby store.  No one in the victim’s family was ever in any danger; the entire story was a scam.

**This is a very common telephone fraud that plays out every day.  While it may seem far-fetched that someone would fall for this scheme, the suspects can be very convincing and take advantage of your fear for the safety of loved ones.  Once money is wired, it is almost impossible to track, because the accounts to which they are sent are always false and the wired money is immediately converted to cash.  Never wire money based on any kind of threat or promise.  Contact the police immediately, if you suspect you may be the victim of any kind of fraud.**