Scam Alerts Rise After Verizon Outage: What New Jersey Residents Should Know

In the aftermath of a recent Verizon service outage, local authorities are warning New Jersey residents to stay on high alert. Scammers are wasting no time, using the confusion and frustration caused by the outage as an opportunity to trick people into handing over personal information.

According to the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office, residents across New Jersey are reporting a noticeable increase in suspicious text messages, emails, and phone calls. What’s especially troubling is that these scams are being customized based on the victim’s internet or phone provider, making them appear more convincing at first glance.

Xfinity Customers Are Being Targeted

Two common scams are currently circulating among Xfinity customers. Both rely on fake links designed to steal passwords and personal data.

One scam arrives as an email claiming to be from Xfinity, stating that the company has updated its Terms of Service or Privacy Policy. The message pressures recipients to click a link immediately, warning that failure to do so could result in loss of email access. This sense of urgency is a classic red flag.

Another version claims that the customer’s Wi-Fi network name or password was recently changed. The message urges the user to click a link to reconnect to their network. In reality, the link leads to a fraudulent site meant to capture login details.

If you ever receive a message like this and aren’t sure whether it’s legitimate, it’s best not to click anything. Xfinity customers can contact customer support directly at 1-800-934-6489 to confirm whether a message is real.

Fake Verizon Credit Messages Making the Rounds

Verizon customers are also being targeted following the company’s recent outage earlier this month, which reportedly stemmed from a server failure in New Jersey. On January 15, Verizon announced it would issue a $20 account credit to affected customers and said it would notify them by text when the credit was ready to be redeemed.

Scammers quickly jumped on that announcement. Fake texts and emails began circulating, claiming to help customers claim their $20 credit. These messages include links that ask users to log in or provide account information—something Verizon will never ask for through unsolicited messages.

How to Protect Yourself

Officials strongly advise against sharing personal details, account credentials, or activity information with anyone who contacts you unexpectedly. Blocking suspicious numbers and deleting questionable messages can also help reduce future attempts.

If you believe you’ve received a scam message or may have been targeted, contact your local police department. You can also report scams directly to the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov or submit a complaint to the Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov.

Scammers thrive on moments of disruption. Staying informed, slowing down, and verifying information through official channels can make all the difference in protecting yourself.