OCEAN COUNTY OFFICIALS are warning residents of a new telephone scam that is targeting Ocean Ride customers.

"We want our residents, especially our seniors, to be aware of scam calls that are claiming to be Ocean Ride employees looking for account information," said Ocean County Commissioner Gary Quinn, who serves as liaison to the program. "It is important for everyone to remember to never give out personal information at the request of the caller."

Residents are reminded that Ocean Ride staff will never initiate a call regarding payment of an overdue account. Information such as credit card numbers, bank account numbers and social security numbers should never be given over the phone.

"Unfortunately scammers have developed sophisticated systems that look as if a call is coming from Ocean County when it is not," said the Director of the Ocean County Board of Commissioners Joseph H. Vicari. "If the call does not sound legitimate, trust your instincts and reach out to Ocean Ride directly to verify."

Those who have any questions about their billing should contact Ocean Ride by calling 732-736-8989, ext. 1. For more information on Ocean Ride, visit www.co.ocean.nj.us/oc/transportation.