From the IRS phone scam, to lottery and sweepstakes scams, to the so-called grandparent scam, it appears that impostor frauds and other criminal scams are more active than ever – and are preying on potential victims in New Jersey through phone calls, emails, and other means. "Fighting Fraud" is the newest component of the Division of Consumer Affairs campaign to empower New Jerseyans with the information and tools they need to stop fraud before it affects them. The Division is bringing a new series of "Fighting Fraud" seminars to all 21 counties. As a springboard to discuss various types of fraud, the "Fighting Fraud" seminars include footage from a law enforcement surveillance camera that was hidden in the overseas "boiler room" of a multimillion-dollar lottery and telemarketing scam. "Fighting Fraud" audiences will see real law enforcement footage of these now-convicted fraudsters as they call potential victims, seeking to coerce them into sending money in order to claim their fictional "winnings" from a nonexistent "sweepstakes." Division of Consumer Affairs Acting Director Steve Lee participated in the prosecution of this scam during his prior role as a federal prosecutor. Director Lee leads the "Fighting Fraud" seminars and walks audiences through the various techniques used by these and other criminals when attempting to separate victims from their hard-earned money.

Advice for Consumers:

Never fall for scare tactics or the sense of urgency that is a hallmark of scams.  This is true especially dealing with a sales pitch or threat that says "you must act right away."  And even more so if you are told, "Keep this confidential and don't tell anyone."

Additional Resources:

The Division of Consumer Affairs educates senior citizens and other New Jerseyans through a robust schedule of public events.  Click here to see the Division's public outreach calendar. Consumers seeking information about fraud prevention can find additional information in the following, free publications on the Division's website:

• The FedUp Handbook, also available in Spanish

• Consumer Briefs on a variety of consumer protection topics.

• The Division's "Cyber Safe NJ" includes important consumer protection information on "The Basics of Cyber Safety," "Preventing Identity Theft," and "Controlling Your Privacy."

Consumers who believe they have been cheated or scammed by a business, or suspect any other form of marketplace abuse, can file a complaint with the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs by visiting its website or by calling 1-800-242-5846 (toll free within New Jersey) or 973-504-6200.