PARSIPPANY — The Parsippany–Troy Hills Police Department issued a statement regarding “Phone Scams.”

The Police Department will not contact any citizen and advise them they have a warrant for their arrest which must be paid over the phone to avoid arrest.

Recently they were advised that someone contacted a resident of another town and told them that they were a Police Officer from Parsippany Police Department which currently had a warrant for their arrest.

They further stated to prevent an arrest and to clear the charges they need to send a certain amount of money immediately.

In these scams they advise the person to call them back once they purchase a money card, money gram, visit a Western Union, or some other type of currency transfer service. In some instances the caller forces the individuals to stay on the line while they complete the transactions.

The calls were spoofed (Caller ID information altered) to appear as they had come from the Parsippany Police Department to make it appear legitimate.

If you get a phone call of this nature please record the phone number that appears on your caller ID and contact the Police.

The Federal Communications Commission has also stepped in with information and tips for consumers and a breakdown of the rules. Tips include:

• Don’t give out personal information in response to an incoming call. Identity thieves are clever – they often pose as representatives of banks, credit card companies, creditors, or government agencies to get people to reveal their account numbers, Social Security numbers, mother’s maiden names, passwords, and other identifying information.
• If you get an inquiry from a company or government agency seeking personal information, don’t provide it. Instead, hang up and call the phone number on your account statement, in the phone book, or on the company’s or government agency’s website to find out if the entity that supposedly called you actually needs the requested information from you.

To download a guide on spoofing, click here.

PARSIPPANY —  A resident of Sherwood Road reported his vehicle, a 2014 Lexus IS, was broken into during the evening of Thursday, July 23 or morning of Friday, July 24. Patrol Officer M. Sprung responded to the scene and spoke to the victim. The victim advised the Officer that the contents of his vehicle were scattered around the interior of his vehicle and some of his paperwork was stolen.

A  resident of Ferncliff Road reported her vehicle, a 2014 Dodge Durango, was broken into during the evening of Thursday, July 23 or morning of Friday, July 24. Patrol Officer M. Sprung responded to the scene and spoke to the victim. After a short investigation it was determined the victims purse was removed from her vehicle, but recovered from the roadway. No items appeared to be missing.

Both vehicles appeared to have been left unlocked. These incidents are under investigation by the Parsippany Police Department. If you have any information regarding these incidents please contact the Parsippany Police Department at (973) 263-4300.

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Patrol Officers responded to the area of Alexander Drive for a person striking a vehicle with an object in the roadway on Tuesday, July 19 at 1:57 a.m.

Once on scene Patrol Officer E. Giordano conducted an initial investigation which revealed the victim/driver, a 19 year old male from Parsippany and the accused, later identified as Anthony Chacon, 21, Lake Hiawatha, were involved in a road rage incident prior to the crash.

Once the crash occurred between the accused’s vehicle, a 2001 Honda CRV and the victim’s vehicle, a 2003 Hyundai Elantra, the accused exited his vehicle and began to further damage the victim’s vehicle.

The victim then exited his vehicle at which time the accused pushed him against the Hyundai Elantra, threw his vehicle keys, and removed cash from him.

The accused then left the area in his Honda CRV. Patrol Officers were advised of the accused’s vehicle description along with his identity.

A short time later the accused was located at his residence and placed under arrest by Patrol Officer J. Schicke and J. Hughes.

The accused was transported back to Police Headquarters where he was charged with Robbery and Criminal Mischief. He was transported to Morris County Correctional Facility in lieu of bail pending a court appearance.

Editors Note: A complaint or a charge is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the defendant is presumed innocent until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Patrol Officer M. Kimble activated his emergency lights and stopped in the left lane of Route 10 east after observing property that was reported missing on a previous incident at 12:50 a.m. on Sunday, July 26.

While retrieving the item from the roadway he observed a vehicle, later identified as a 2007 Infiniti G35, approaching his vehicle.

Patrol Officer M. Kimble was able to avoid being struck by the vehicle as it crashed into the left side of his patrol vehicle.

After a brief investigation Charles Wilfong, 63, Rockaway, was placed under arrest by Ptl. J. Pledger for suspicion of Driving While Intoxicated and transported to Police Headquarters.

While at Police Headquarters Mr. Wilfong was issued summons for Driving While Intoxicated, Reckless Driving, and Careless Driving. He was released to a family member pending his court appearance.

Editors Note: A complaint or a charge is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the defendant is presumed innocent until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.