New Jersey Phone Scam Victim Loses $25,000 Before Suspects Are Caught in Police Sting
A New Jersey woman lost $25,000 after becoming the target of an elaborate phone scam that used fear, urgency, and a fake bank security story to convince her to hand over cash. Authorities say the scheme did not end there, as the suspects allegedly attempted to collect even more money before police stepped in and made arrests.
According to investigators, the incident began when the Riverside resident noticed a pop-up message on her computer claiming that her device had been infected with a virus. The alert displayed a phone number and instructed her to call for immediate assistance.
Believing the warning was legitimate, the woman contacted the number. During the call, a man identified himself as a member of Wells Fargo’s security team. He allegedly told the victim that a virus from her computer had spread to the bank’s network and that she could face serious legal consequences, including being reported to the FBI.
The caller reportedly claimed the only way to resolve the issue was to pay a $25,000 penalty. Feeling frightened by the possibility of criminal charges, the woman followed the instructions she was given.
Police said the victim withdrew $25,000 in cash from her bank and placed the money inside a box outside her home, exactly as directed by the caller. A short time later, an individual arrived and collected the package.
Soon after the cash was picked up, the woman received another phone call. This time, she was told that an additional payment of $30,000 was required. The new demand raised concerns, and she began to suspect that something was wrong.
Instead of making another payment, the woman contacted the Riverside Police Department and reported what had happened. Officers quickly responded and worked with the victim after learning that another pickup was expected.
Authorities say two men later arrived at the residence to collect the additional money. Officers who had been waiting nearby arrested both individuals without further incident.
The suspects were identified as 48-year-old MD N. Islam of Egg Harbour Township and 58-year-old Mohammad Z. Islam of Westville. Both have been charged with theft in connection with the investigation.
Officials have not said whether the two men are related. Court records currently do not list attorney information for either suspect.
Following the arrests, both men were issued summonses and released pending future court proceedings, as required under New Jersey’s judicial process for the charges filed.
Investigators believe there could be additional victims and have confirmed that the investigation remains active. Police are encouraging anyone who may have experienced a similar scam or who has information related to the case to contact the Riverside Police Department.
The case highlights a growing trend of scams in which criminals pretend to represent trusted organisations, including banks, government agencies, or technology support companies. These scams often rely on creating panic by claiming that a victim’s finances, computer, or personal information has been compromised.
Security experts and law enforcement agencies continue to remind the public that legitimate banks do not ask customers to withdraw large amounts of cash or leave money outside their homes for collection. Financial institutions also do not demand payments to avoid criminal investigations or threaten immediate FBI action over the phone.
Anyone who receives unexpected calls claiming to be from a bank or government agency should independently verify the information by contacting the organisation through its official customer service number. If a caller pressures someone to act immediately or requests cash payments, gift cards, or unusual delivery methods, it is a strong warning sign of a scam.
Officials also recommend reporting suspicious calls to local law enforcement as quickly as possible, as prompt reporting can help prevent additional victims and may improve the chances of recovering stolen funds.
Sources
- Riverside Police Department
- New Jersey Courts
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
- Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
