EDISON – Police are investigating a “robo-text” scam sent to resident cell phones, with the message claiming there have been “78% more robberies” in town, signed by the “Edison Council”.
The scam further offers to sell recipients new home security systems, police said.
Police Chief Thomas Bryan said all the information in the text messages “is completely fake.”
“Someone probably thought this would be a clever pitch to sell home security systems,” he said. “It’s not. It is a crime. They are using lies and deceit to prey on every homeowner’s worst fear. That is despicable.”
The phony texts falsely claim “family heirlooms, money, electronics, female undergarments and even pure-bred family pets have been stolen,” police said.
The fake warning also tell residents “do not leave your children at home unsupervised at this time,” police said.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Edison Police Department at 732-248-7400.