It could come in a phone call, an email or a knock on your door, but the aim is the same: to scam you out of your money.

The Warren County Sheriff’s Office is seeking to keep residents from being swindled, by scheduling two Scam Prevention programs this month.

The programs are scheduled for April 12 at 11 a.m. at Phillipsburg Area Senior Center, 310 Firth Street, Phillipsburg, and April 21 at 11 a.m. at the Washington Area Community Senior Center, 33 Brass Castle Road, Washington Township.

“There are many nefarious characters coming up with innovative ways to separate us from our money,” said Sheriff James McDonald, who will be conducting the programs with Investigator Rich McQuade of the Warren County Sheriff’s Office. “While we are all vulnerable to these scams, they often target our senior citizens,” McDonald added.

Warren County Commissioner James R. Kern III noted the importance of these free programs, explaining, “Over the past few years, online scams, particularly those targeting seniors, continue to be on the rise. Warren County residents should take advantage of this program from our sheriff.”

Kern added, “While I am confident those committing these crimes against our residents will be brought to justice, prevention is the best form of defense.”

This program includes a power-point presentation and other information on how to avoid being victimized. “These programs are conducted several times a year throughout Warren County to whomever requests us,” McDonald said. “We work closely with the Warren County Division of Aging and Disability Services to schedule these events at our Senior Centers.”

According to McDonald, the program addresses:

·       Grandchild Scam

·       Lottery Scam

·       Home Repair Scam

·       IRS Phone Scam

·       Gift Card Scam

“This program is educational both for our seniors and this office, as we sometimes learn of scams that we were unaware of,” the sheriff noted.