Telemarketing & Online Sales Fraud Reporting - Paterson

Business and Consumer Protection New Jersey 3 Minutes Read ยท published February 21, 2026 Flag of New Jersey

In Paterson, New Jersey, residents and businesses can report suspected telemarketing and online sales fraud to local and state authorities. This guide explains who enforces consumer-fraud rules affecting phone and internet scams, how to document and submit a complaint, typical enforcement outcomes, and the practical steps to protect yourself and pursue remedies in Paterson, NJ.

How to report

Start by preserving evidence: call logs, texts, emails, screenshots of websites or listings, transaction receipts, and any written promises or terms. File a local report with the Paterson Police Department and a state complaint with the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs; you can also report scams to the Federal Trade Commission for federal follow-up and data collection.[1][2][3]

Collect timestamps and payment records before filing a complaint.

Penalties & Enforcement

Paterson enforces local criminal and civil consumer-protection laws via the Paterson Police Department and the municipal prosecutor when conduct rises to criminal fraud; state enforcement is handled by the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs. Specific municipal fine amounts and civil penalty schedules for telemarketing or online sales fraud are not specified on the cited Paterson pages; see the state and federal links for broader enforcement authority.[1][2]

  • Monetary fines: not specified on the cited Paterson page.
  • State civil penalties or restitution: not specified on the cited state page.
  • Criminal prosecution may result when evidence shows intentional fraud; charging decisions are by the municipal prosecutor or county/state prosecutors.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: restraining orders, restitution orders, seizure of proceeds or property under court order.
  • Enforcers and complaint pathways: Paterson Police Department (local complaints) and New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs (state complaints). See official complaint pages listed below.[1][2]
  • Appeals and review: criminal convictions and municipal orders may be appealed in New Jersey Superior Court; administrative agency decisions follow the agency's review procedures. Specific time limits are not specified on the cited pages.
  • Defenses and discretion: authorities may consider lack of intent, mistaken identity, third-party fraud, or valid authorizations; permits or business registrations do not exempt fraudulent conduct.
If money was wired or sent by gift card, report immediately as recovery chances diminish quickly.

Applications & Forms

The New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs provides an online consumer complaint portal and instructions; the Paterson Police Department accepts local reports through its non-emergency contacts and station records. If a specific municipal complaint form is required, it is not published on the cited Paterson pages; use the police report process and the state online complaint form instead.[1][2]

Common violations

  • Impersonation scams (fake government or utility collectors).
  • Fake online storefronts or marketplace listings that never deliver goods.
  • Unauthorized charges or subscription traps via telemarketing.
  • Misleading advertising or false guarantees tied to sales calls or websites.

Action steps

  • Preserve all evidence: screenshots, receipts, and communication records.
  • File a local police report with Paterson Police for potential criminal investigation.[1]
  • Submit a state consumer complaint through the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs portal.[2]
  • Report to the Federal Trade Commission to assist federal enforcement and data tracking.[3]

FAQ

Who in Paterson handles telemarketing and online sales fraud?
The Paterson Police Department handles local criminal complaints; the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs handles state consumer complaints, and the FTC collects federal reports.
What evidence should I include in a complaint?
Include dates, phone numbers, screenshots, transaction records, names, and any communications that demonstrate promises or misrepresentations.
Can I get my money back through these agencies?
Agencies can investigate and seek restitution or referrals, but recovery is not guaranteed and depends on the case facts and available remedies.

How-To

  1. Stop additional payments and gather all transaction evidence.
  2. File a local police report with Paterson Police, providing copies of your evidence.[1]
  3. Submit a state complaint to the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs with the same documentation.[2]
  4. Report the incident to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov to add to national enforcement data.[3]
  5. If you receive a court summons or administrative notice, respond promptly and consider legal counsel for appeals or restitution actions.

Key Takeaways

  • Preserve evidence and act quickly to report scams.
  • Report locally to Paterson Police and to the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs.
  • Use the FTC reporting portal to assist federal tracking and enforcement.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Paterson - Police Department
  2. [2] New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs - Consumer Complaints
  3. [3] Federal Trade Commission - ReportFraud

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