Middlesex County Launches “Be a Hero Against Fraud” Campaign to Protect Residents From Scams

By Adam Rizvi | Editor, The India Observer (TIO)

MIDDLESEX COUNTY, NJ — Middlesex County has launched a new public awareness initiative titled “Be a Hero Against Fraud,” aimed at helping residents recognize, prevent, and report scams targeting individuals, families, senior citizens, and businesses across the county.

County officials said the campaign comes amid a rise in increasingly sophisticated fraud schemes using phone calls, emails, text messages, social media, cryptocurrency platforms, artificial intelligence, and other online tools to deceive victims and steal money or personal information.

The initiative highlights several scams currently affecting communities, including property fraud, cryptocurrency scams, phishing emails and text messages, imposter scams, 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 Ronald G. Rios, Commissioner Director of Middlesex County. “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.”

Shanti Narra, Middlesex County Commissioner Deputy Director and Chair of the Public Safety Committee, said fraud prevention depends on awareness and community vigilance.

“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,” Narra said.

County officials are urging residents to remain cautious of unsolicited requests for personal or financial information, suspicious links or attachments, and urgent payment demands involving gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency.

Residents are encouraged to:

• Never share personal, banking, or financial information with unknown callers or unsolicited contacts.
• Verify suspicious communications directly through official organizations using trusted contact information.
• Avoid clicking unknown links or downloading unexpected attachments.
• Speak 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.

Residents can report fraud concerns to Middlesex County Consumer Affairs at Consumer@co.middlesex.nj.us or by phone at 732-398-2300.

The campaign is part of Middlesex County’s broader efforts to strengthen public safety, consumer protection, and community education initiatives throughout the region.

For additional fraud prevention resources, visit middlesexcountynj.gov/fraud.