Utilities United Against Scams - Home
www.utilitiesunited.org
Many electric, water, and natural gas customers throughout the country are being targeted by impostor utility scams each day. Scammers typically use phone, in-person, and online tactics to target cust...0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Don’t let Jersey rush hour get you down! Commute with care and share the road! Whether you're driving, biking, scooting, or walking, we're all in this together. Keep the Garden State Safe! #ShareTheRoad #SafeRoadsNJ
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Winter Weather Driving Tips | NHTSA
Winter Weather Driving Tips | NHTSA
www.nhtsa.gov
Ways to prepare yourself and your vehicle to drive in winter weather conditions. Learn about changes to tires, batteries, car seats and more.0 CommentsComment on Facebook
International Fraud Awareness Week
www.fraudweek.com
Do you want to host a seminar, write a proclamation or even just post on social media? Find ideas of how you can help spread fraud awareness. Learn more.0 CommentsComment on Facebook
ORANGE AND ROCKLAND UTILITIES URGES CUSTOMERS:
STAY INFORMED AND AVOID BEING SCAMMED
PEARL RIVER, NY November 18, 2024, 11:00 a.m. – As part of International Fraud Awareness Week starting November 17, Orange and Rockland Utilities, Inc. (O&R) is joining forces with more than 150 U.S. and Canadian energy and water companies to help protect customers from fraud. The campaign is spearheaded by Utilities United Against Scams, with November 20 recognized as Utility Scam Awareness Day.
O&R is urging customers to stay vigilant and learn to identify the tactics scammers use to pose as company employees. Scammers often demand immediate payment or personal information, creating a sense of urgency to trick their targets.
“Every year, scammers become more sophisticated and find new ways to trick people. We want our customers to know that there are simple ways to protect themselves,” said Janette Espino, O&R vice president of Customer Service. “Any demand for payment threatening immediate shut off or pressure to give up personal information is an instant red flag. Customers should immediately use the My Account portal at oru.com, available 24/7, to confirm their account status, or call the company directly.”
The following are signs that a person contacting an O&R customer is a scammer:
• People trying to pull a scam often try to sell a customer on urgency. They’ll say company personnel are on their way immediately to shut off service.
• Scammers call customers and instruct them to buy a pre-paid debit card. Once the customer puts money on the card and provides the scammer with the card number, the scammer steals the money. O&R does not accept payment by pre-paid debit cards, MoneyGram or similar transfers.
• Scammers contact customers and demand payment via apps like Cash App, Venmo, Zelle or even Bitcoin. O&R does not support these platforms for payment.
• A person who shows up at a home or business not wearing an O&R ID is not a company employee. An O&R employee will politely show the ID to the customer when asked. If you are still not sure the person works for the company, call O&R at 1-833-460-7059 to get confirmation.
Be aware, scammers who call customers by phone can even make an O&R phone number appear on a customer’s caller ID display.
When a customer gives money to a scammer, the scammer will often claim that the payment did not go through and demand another payment. The company has received reports of customers providing multiple payments totaling thousands of dollars to a scammer.
O&R’s website offers approved options for bill payment. O&R accepts check, credit card or cash at an authorized payment location listed on our website.
Some utilities have reported an increase in utility impostor scams through digital methods, including search engine-related scams. Digital scam tactics include:
• Sponsored ads on search engines that lead to an identical - but fake - utility bill payment page.
• QR codes that scammers falsely claim link to a utility payment page.
• Texts from a scammer claiming to be a utility representative, with a link to an impostor payment page.
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As we salute our veterans, let’s also pledge to keep our streets safe. Slow down in crosswalks and look out for pedestrians. #SafeRoadsNJ
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Please be aware of these texting incidents invoking slavery that occurred in surrounding states. Click on link from the Associated Press for further. Information and instructions on bias crimes also appears below.
apnews.com/article/text-messages-slavery-racism-black-americans-fbi-708973521d2974bec7514b8622877290
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A large wildfire in Pompton Lakes, NJ, is causing smoke in our area. If you notice smoke and believe it may be unrelated to the Pompton Lakes wildfire, please contact 9-1-1 or reach out to USRPD immediately.WILDFIRE UPDATE: Cannonball 3 Wildfire - Pompton Lakes, Passaic County
The New Jersey Forest Fire Service remains on scene of a wildfire burning in the area of Cannonball Road in Pompton Lakes, Passaic County.
Forest Fire Service crews continue to improve fireline and are conducting a backfiring operation, strategically burning fuel in the fire's path to slow its advance and assist with containment efforts.
SIZE & CONTAINMENT
🔥 100 acres
🔥 0% contained
STRUCTURES THREATENED
⚠️ 55 structures threatened
✅ 0 structures evacuated
ROADS AFFECTED
⚠️ Cannonball Road closed at DuPont Place
⚠️ Interstate 287 - right lane closed on the northbound side
RESOURCES DEPLOYED
🚒 The Forest Fire Service remains on scene with fire engines and ground crews
🚁 A Forest Fire Service helicopter capable of dropping 350 gallons of water
🚒 Structure protection is being provided by local fire companies
FIRE CAUSE
🔥 Under Investigation
PRESS CONFERENCE
🎤 The Forest Fire Service will host a press conference at 3 p.m. in front of the Pompton Lakes Municipal Building located at 25 Lenox Ave, Pompton Lakes, NJ 07442
NEXT UPDATE
⏰ Approximately 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 9
NO DRONES IN FIRE ZONES
Please remember, “No Drones in Fire Zones - If YOU fly, WE can't!” More info: www.facebook.com/NJForestFireService/posts/pfbid02XeCUXmgBdqXSqbZE3d3roqQb3EFkkFKRD9xkav4VYaHKWzL...
-----------------------
Helpful Wildfire Terminology
🔥 Wildfire - An uncontrolled fire burning the different types of vegetation that cover the land. A wildfire is considered a “major wildfire” after it exceeds 100 acres in size.
🔥 Containment - When reporting on a wildfire a percentage of containment will be given, which will state how much of the fireline has been completed.
🔥 Backfire - A fire intentionally set along the interior edge of a fireline by Forest Fire Service staff to consume fuel in the path of a wildfire and/or to change the direction of force of a fire’s convection column.
🔥 Fireline - The part of a containment or control line that is scraped or dug to mineral soil.
🔥 Threatened - Critical infrastructure, roads, homes and commercial buildings that are in the vicinity of a wildfire.
#NJFFS #NJForestFireService #NewJerseyDEP
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There were 3 fires today nearby. Mahwah, N. Milford and Pompton Lakes. Wind blew it into our area.
West Saddle River Road between Cherry Lane and Robin Ridge Road will be closed from 7 P.M. until further notice for utility work. Due to utility work, residents may experience intermittent power losses.
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Omg
Join the USR Police Department for a Crime & Safety Presentation to learn more about current crime trends and crime prevention tips. Tonight, 11/06/2024 @ 6PM in the Cavallini Middle School Auditorium. Registration is not required to attend.
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Communities across Bergen County have been working hard to increase access to Naloxone in their towns! Following the Resolution from the County last year that added Naloxone to the AED units in all County buildings (including Bergen Community College,) this year, Montvale, Franklin Lakes, New Milford, Upper Saddle River, and Lodi passed resolutions adding Naloxone boxes to the AED units in town. A number of other communities are also working on drafting similar resolutions, hosting trainings, and identifying high-needs areas to install Naloxone. Thank you to all of the individuals who have advocated for these life-saving measures in their communities!
What is Naloxone?
Naloxone is the medication that reverses the effects of an opioid overdose. It is often referred to as Narcan, which is the patented brand of naloxone that is administered through an intranasal (nose) spray. Naloxone is extremely safe, and having access to it can be the difference between life and death for someone experiencing an overdose.
The Center for Alcohol and Drug Resources can provide Naloxone to community partners. In addition, many local pharmacies have Narcan available for free for individuals! Find your closest pharmacy here: Naloxone365: NJ Free Naloxone at Pharmacies Program | NJOIT Open Data Center
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• The FBI’s Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU) and Office of Public Affairs (OPA) recently launched a Prevent Mass Violence Campaign which includes research and educational information focused on preventing acts of targeted violence.
• The FBI’s Prevent Mass Violence website located at www.fbi.gov/investigate/how-we-investigate/prevent-mass-violence contains valuable information and resources which can be utilized by law enforcement and shared among local community members.
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Join the USR Police Department for a Crime & Safety Presentation to learn more about current crime trends and crime prevention tips. Wednesday 11/06/2024 @ 6PM in the Cavallini Middle School Auditorium. Registration is not required to attend.
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Thank you to everyone who came out to Cider Hill. Pictured is Officer McIntyre and Chief Rotella will future police officers.
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My favorite Officers 👮♀️!!!!
Awesome ❤️!!!
Traffic Alert from the Upper Saddle River Police Department
Due to the large number of children expected to be trick-or-treating in the Cider Hill area on Halloween, Cider Hill will be closed to all vehicular traffic from 3 p.m. – 7 p.m. If, in the event of unforeseen circumstances, residents of the affected area need to access or leave your home, please alert one of the Police Officers in the area for assistance.
Police Officers will be assigned to the area, and the Upper Saddle River Department of Public Works will assist with traffic control. Please feel free to contact the Police Department if you need any assistance.
The police department appreciates your cooperation.
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Safety on the trick-or-treat trail
Halloween street smarts
Always accompany young children on their neighborhood rounds. If trick-or-treating doesn't start until after dark where you live, consider checking with your town or park district for Halloween activities offered earlier in the day. Research shows that evenings from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. are the riskiest times of day for child pedestrians. Earlier festivities also help you stick to your child's regular bedtime.
If your older children are trick-or-treating alone, plan and review the route that is acceptable to you. Agree on a specific time when they should return home and get flashlights with batteries for everyone.
Talk with kids about the risk of distracted walking. This includes text messaging, talking on or looking at their cell phone and listening to music.
Cross the street as a group in established crosswalks. Most (62%) child pedestrian traffic fatalities occurred mid-block, rather than at intersections. Make sure kids know not to cross the street between parked cars or out of driveways or alleys.
Don't assume cars will stop just because they have the right of way. Motorists may have trouble seeing trick-or-treaters.
Stay on well-lit streets and always use the sidewalk. If no sidewalk is available, walk at the far edge of the roadway facing traffic. Only go to homes with a porch light on and, ideally, a well-lit pathway.
Halloween Health & Safety Tips
www.healthychildren.org
Costumes, pumpkins, trick-or-treat tips and more! Here is a great list from the AAP for a healthy and safe Halloween.0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Thank you to the Edith A. Bogert students who dropped off cards and candy to our officers today! Happy Halloween!
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No one cares
PRESS RELEASE
TO: All Media
FROM: Chief Patrick Rotella
DATE: October 30, 2024
RE: “Another Successful Operation Take-Back”
As many residents are aware, the Upper Saddle River Police Department participated in the DEA Operation Take-Back drug collection on Saturday October 26, 2024. This press release is a follow-up to any previous announcements regarding this event and will provide the results of the collection.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank all residents who participated in the fall 2024 Operation Take Back event held on Saturday October 26, 2024. On Monday October 28, 2024, a representative from the Upper Saddle River Police Department delivered to the United States Drug Enforcement Agency four (4) collection boxes filled with medications that had been received during the event. The amount of medications collected weighed over 90lbs. This was the largest collection of medication our agency has received since we began participating in these events close to 15 years ago.
Programs, such as this, are vital to the safety of our Community. The Upper Saddle River Police Department is committed to ridding our Community of unwanted, expired, and unused medications. It is our hope that by participating in events such as this, we help in reducing the misuse and abuse of prescription medications amongst all age groups in the Borough and raise awareness about prescription drug abuse. Medications which may have been diverted from their original purpose, have proven to have devastating consequences, such as overdose and accidental poisonings.
Furthermore, this event also helps the environment by providing residents a way to properly dispose of medications, instead of flushing them down a toilet or throwing them in the trash which, potentially, can enter drinking water or be consumed by wildlife.
Please visit the following sites for more information regarding this subject: takebackday.dea.gov/
www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_disposal/takeback/takeback.html
Chief Rotella
Diversion Control Division | National Prescription Drug Take Back Day
www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov
The National Prescription Drug Take Back Day aims to provide a safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs, while also educating the general public about the potential f...0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Traffic Alert from the Upper Saddle River Police Department
Due to the large number of children expected to be trick-or-treating in the Cider Hill area on Halloween, Cider Hill will be closed to all vehicular traffic from 3 p.m. – 7 p.m. If, in the event of unforeseen circumstances, residents of the affected area need to access or leave your home, please alert one of the Police Officers in the area for assistance.
Police Officers will be assigned to the area, and the Upper Saddle River Department of Public Works will assist with traffic control. Please feel free to contact the Police Department if you need any assistance.
The police department appreciates your cooperation.
2 CommentsComment on Facebook
Is there a list of streets that will be closed?
I didn’t see yall I was there what happen.
www.facebook.com/share/1GhsZaC3GWCnggX5/
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Ain’t nobody scared of yall
Stfu racist goons
USR Alert: Operation Take Back New Jersey: Dispose of unwanted, unused medications at USRPD HQ Saturday 10/26 10a-2p.
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No one cares miss spina
Racist coons
The opioid crisis is still here, and fentanyl is making it worse - right in our own neighborhoods.
Here’s what’s happening:
Fentanyl is deadly
This synthetic opioid is up to 100 times stronger than morphine. It’s being mixed into other drugs like heroin, cocaine, and even marijuana, often without the user’s knowledge, making every use a risk of overdose.
Overdoses are rising
Drug overdose deaths have hit over 100,000 in just 12 months - the highest ever recorded. In New York State alone, overdose deaths surged by 20.4% between 2019 and 2021, with fentanyl playing a major role.
Your family needs to know
Our teens are at risk, and the best protection is knowledge. Studies show that open, honest conversations at home can help prevent substance abuse.
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Remember to stop when you see the school bus stop sign. Let's work together to protect our most precious cargo. #SafeRoadsNJ
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Yesterday, marked the five year anniversary of the passing of our friend and colleague, Robert “Bobby” Hyman. We cherish the memories of Bobby and still feel his strong influence as an ultimate first responder. May God continue to bless and watch over the Hyman family.
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Thank you for always keeping him and the boys in your thoughts and prayers. Spencer Hyman
Thank you for always remembering my brother. He loved his job so much . You guys are always a part of our family 💙
Great guy. Good friend. He is missed.
Wow I can't believe it's been 5 years
✝️🙏🙏
Many parents believe allowing their teens to drink at home under supervision is a safe way to introduce alcohol.
But the hard truth is it's not just risky – it's potentially dangerous.
Here’s what you need to know:
1. It's not an effective strategy
Allowing underage drinking at home doesn't reduce risks. It can lead to serious and negative consequences for both parents and children.
2. It increases the risk of alcohol abuse
Recent research from "The Partnership Attitude Tracking Study" (PATS) shows that teens who perceive their parents to be more permissive about alcohol use are more likely to abuse alcohol and use other drugs.
3. Legal and civil liability
As a social host, allowing underage drinking in your home puts you at great legal and civil risk. If an incident, injury, or car accident occurs due to alcohol consumed at your home, you may be held liable.
Your decisions about alcohol in your home can have far-reaching effects on your children's future.
Best strategy? Talk to your teens about the implications of underage drinking – mental health challenges, health issues, and even public embarrassment can put a dark print on your child’s life.
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We are seeking to find the owner of a lost dog who was found near Lake Street and Skyline Drive. If you lost your dog, please contact our headquarters at 201-327-2700.
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What kind of dog ? Is it tan?
I hope the owners contact you to clam the puppy!!! 🐶 any photos to post with this? I’ll share the post!
Hoping dog is ok
Any pics available?
Here’s pics from Bergen County NJ Lost and Found Pets page. www.facebook.com/100064875782445/posts/962494519256399/?
OWNER LOCATED! Thank you all
Do you recognize me!? I escaped from my owners! Dog goes by the name Mya and was found on Pleasant Ave. If you know or are the owners please call Police Headquarters at 201-327-2700.
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Oh good ! I have been thinking about her - she looks different in this pic than the other
Let people know where you’re headed- communication is key on the road! #SafeRoadsNJ
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There are standard hand signals to use while cycling to indicate left and right turns, stopping and slowing. I'm not able to post just the reference chart, but it's available on this link. twp.millburn.nj.us/550/Bike-Safety-Information
USR Alert: Lions Park will be closed on Tuesday, 10/15/24, between the hours of 7:00AM and 1:00PM.
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Police Blotter
-Officers investigated a motor vehicle accident on Route 17 South. As a result, a 72 year-old male from Fort Lee, was arrested for Driving While Intoxicated. The male was processed and released to a responsible individual.
-Officers stopped a suspicious motor vehicle on East Saddle River Road. An investigation revealed the occupants perpetrated numerous acts of mail theft. As a result, a 36-year-old female and a 42-year-old male from Garfield, New Jersey, were arrested. Both were charged with Theft, Possession of Stolen Property, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. They were processed and released on their own recognizance.
-Officers stopped a speeding vehicle on Old Stone Church Road. The driver, a 52 year-old male from Suffern, NY, was subsequently charged with Driving While Intoxicated. The male was processed and released to a responsible individual.
-Officers responded to a multi-car rollover motor vehicle accident on Route 17 South. Further investigation revealed the driver who caused the accident attempted to mislead the police regarding his involvement. As a result, a 28 year-old male from West Orange, NJ, was charged with Assault by Auto, Hindering Apprehension, False Reporting, and Reckless Endangerment. He was processed and released on his own recognizance.
-A 34 year-old female from Bloomingburg, NY, was arrested for Prostitution and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia on Route 17 South. She was processed and released on her own recognizance.
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www.facebook.com/share/p/CDtEPbS5M5uWy3F4/𝗩𝗶𝗼𝗹𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗡𝗬 𝗘𝘅-𝗖𝗼𝗻 𝗡𝗮𝗯𝗯𝗲𝗱 𝗕𝘆 𝗨𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗿 𝗦𝗮𝗱𝗱𝗹𝗲 𝗥𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗣𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗜𝗻 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘀𝘁𝗶𝘁𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗕𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗔𝘁 𝗥𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗲 𝟭𝟳 𝗠𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗹
𝐁𝐲 𝐉𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐲 𝐃𝐞𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐨 (𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐎𝐧𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐍𝐞𝐰𝐬)
Upper Saddle River police arrested a trio of New Yorkers – two of them women from Dutchess County, the other a violent ex-con from Orange County -- in a prostitution bust just south of the state line.
Shareaf Brown, 31, of Monroe, had been charged with a shooting in Yonkers six years ago and then arrested again earlier this year by Port Jervis police for abducting a woman and breaking into a home and assaulting someone there.
During the Upper Saddle River arrest last week, Brown “struck a responding officer numerous times with a swinging door resulting in minor injuries,” Capt. Edward Kane said.
Brown was charged with assaulting a police officer, as well as promoting prostitution, possessing/distributing crack, hindering apprehension, obstruction and illegal possession of a knife, the captain said.
He remained held today in the Bergen County Jail nearly a week after the raid.
Brown apparently was freed pending trial following an arrest in January for a pair of incidents in Port Jervis – one for allegedly assaulting a woman and holding her against her will late last December and the other for breaking into a home and assaulting a resident with a baseball bat on New Year’s Eve.
Yisena Rivera, 21, of High Park, and Avianna Rodrigues, 24, of Poughkeepsie, were both charged with cocaine possession following the Upper Saddle River raid. Rodrigues also was charged with promoting prostitution. Both were released pending court action.
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This is not acceptable! These people come here because so many feel like we live in a safe neighborhood or community when actuality were sitting target do not leave your cars unlocked. Keep your fobs in your house. I walk through my neighborhood and I see so many people that leave their doors unlocked. That’s a big no no.we are sitting ducks to those that want to steal from us.
Rediculous! Did the Crime do the Time. Thank you Law Makers for making it easy for criminals and bad people to get out jail so easy! Our Police Officers risk their lives for these idiots and drug users and they have no more rights to protect people and have the Courts back then! Something is waaaay wrong with our system.
Good job
Amazing he is out again
Why do so many illegal things happen at that motel? Can it be shut down because of providing a haven to such criminal behavior?
