1Scammers pose as Linden mayor in gift card hoax targeting residents

Linden, NJ – A wave of deceptive messages claiming to be from Mayor Derek Armstead is sweeping through Linden, tricking residents into believing they’re helping city employees by buying gift cards — a scheme police warn is a complete fraud.

Officials say multiple residents received personalized messages appearing to come directly from the mayor, addressing them by name and asking for “discreet” assistance. Once victims respond, the scammer instructs them to purchase gift cards supposedly intended as gifts for city workers.

Police confirmed the messages are fake and emphasize that Mayor Armstead did not send them. The city is urging residents to ignore such requests and never share personal or financial information thr

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