Hurricane Sandy

Hurricane Sandy Scammers Targeting Seniors, Freeholder Warns

Scammer claims computers were damaged in the storm and requests personal information

Seniors should be aware of scammers using Hurricane Sandy as a means to solicit Social Security and other personal information, Ocean County officials warned Friday. A county woman recently reported that she received a call from an individual claiming to be from the Social Security administration. If she did not give up her husband's Social Security number, the caller claimed his benefits would stop, said Freeholder Joseph Vicari, who serves as chairman of Senior Services.  "The ploy used was that Social Security administration computers were damaged in the hurricane," Vicari said. "This is not true." Social Security and Medicare will not call beneficiaries at home to ask for personal information or try to sell any products, Vicari said. "…

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Council: Beware of Scams, Protect Personal Information

Scammers spread false information and attempt to obtain personal data, council says

Residents should be weary of phone and email solicitations promising discounts and other offers in exchange for personal information, members of Manchester's Township Council cautioned this week.  The discussion about scams and the spreading of false information was spurred when Vice President Brendan Weiner said during his report that a phony email warning of rises in Medicare costs was being distributed.  "Basically, it's saying that there are going to be large increases in Medicare Part B in the next couple of years base on health care reform that was just passed," Weiner said. "I just want you to know that the letter is fake and it holds no bearing." Attorney Steve Secare then recalled a scam in which a JCP&L impostor attempted to …

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From the Desk of the Mayor

Letter: Beware of Phishing Scams

Manchester Mayor Michael Fressola warns to beware of scammers

To the Editor: We have recently received an alert from the Internal Revenue Service. There has been an increase in scamming activity which is referred to as “phishing." It involves either contact by telephone or by e-mail. The caller or e-mailer will claim to be an established enterprise in an attempt to scam the individual into surrendering private information that will be used for identity theft. These “phishing” scammers may claim to be working for the Internal Revenue Service. They will claim that they can help the individual file an amended tax return as an excuse to obtain personal financial information or social security numbers that can be used to steal victims’ identities or financial resources. Please, please keep in mind that …

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Five Things

June 2: Sports Physicals, Senior Scam Awareness Program and MTHS Student Recognition

Five things to know today

In the past few days, we've had air quality and tornado warnings. Today, it seems we are alert-free. The National Weather Service expects a sunny day, with the high nearing 81 degrees. Below are some of today's local happenings: 1. Manchester middle and high school students who want to participate in athletics next year can have a free physical completed between 2:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. Forms, which are available online, must be filled out prior to the exams held in the high school nurse's office. More information is available by calling the athletic office at 732-657-8901. Physicals will also be offered on June 9. 2. A program on senior scams will be held by the Ocean County Department of Consumer Affairs at Manchester's branch of the …

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