Fraud Scams and Shoplifting Reports Highlight Week in Westfield

WESTFIELD, NJ — Multiple fraud cases and a shoplifting incident involving juveniles were reported in Westfield during the week of May 3 through May 9, according to police.

Officials said several residents reported losing money in separate scams over the course of the week, including online schemes and unauthorized transactions.

In one case, a resident said they were led to believe they would be paid for creating online reviews but instead lost money over time after being instructed to send payments in cryptocurrency.

In another incident, a resident reported an unauthorized bank transfer that resulted in a loss of approximately $2,040.

A third case involved a resident who said they were tricked into entering credit card information while attempting to sell clothing online, resulting in charges of about $876.76.

Separately, police said a fraudulent phone call targeted a resident in an apparent attempt to obtain financial information, with the caller posing as a bank representative.

In a shoplifting incident, police said three juveniles concealed merchandise from a local business and left without paying. The stolen items were valued at approximately $61, according to police. The suspects fled the area before officers arrived.

Officials said the incidents remain under investigation.