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Westwood Police Share Warning About New Amazon QR Code Package Scam

Published

6 months ago

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The Westwood Police Department is warning residents about a new variation of the “Amazon QR Code” scam that has been reported nationwide.

According to Chief Michael R. Pontillo and department officials, the scam involves unsolicited packages delivered to homes that contain a malicious QR code. Authorities say scanning the code can lead to identity theft, stolen financial information, or malware being installed on a victim’s phone.

How the Scam Works

Unexpected Delivery
Residents receive a package—often appearing to be legitimate Amazon packaging—for an item they did not order. The parcel may have the recipient’s correct name and address but lacks clear return or sender information.

The Bait
Inside the package, or on a sticker attached to it, is a note featuring a QR code urging the recipient to scan it to:

  • “Find out who sent the gift”

  • “Learn more about your package”

  • “Claim a prize”

  • Leave a five-star review in exchange for a reward

Police say scanning the QR code may redirect victims to a fraudulent website designed to resemble an official Amazon or banking login page, prompting users to enter personal or financial information. In some cases, the code may automatically download malicious software, potentially giving scammers access to passwords, accounts, and other sensitive data.

How to Protect Yourself

  • Avoid scanning QR codes from unsolicited packages.

  • Never enter personal or financial information on websites accessed through unknown links.

  • Report suspicious deliveries directly through your official Amazon account.

  • Regularly monitor financial accounts for unusual or unauthorized activity.

Anyone who believes they may have been targeted or victimized by this scam is encouraged to contact their local police department.

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Police/Fire/EMS

Ramapo Police Halt Test of Advanced License Plate Reader Cameras

Published

2 days ago

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August 11, 2026

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Ramapo Police Chief Daniel Hyman announced that the department will not move forward with a planned test of a new generation of automated license plate reader (ALPR) cameras, citing privacy concerns and the need to balance law enforcement technology with constitutional protections.

Hyman said the technology being considered goes beyond the department’s existing fixed license plate readers. While current cameras primarily capture license plates to help identify wanted or stolen vehicles and assist with criminal investigations, the newer systems include advanced investigative analytics and vehicle-identification capabilities.

“Those capabilities can provide tremendous value to law enforcement, but they also raise legitimate questions about privacy and the appropriate limits of government technology,” Hyman said.

Hyman emphasized that the decision does not affect the traditional fixed LPR cameras currently used by the Ramapo Police Department and does not represent a rejection of license plate reader technology overall.

Instead, he said the department is exercising caution because of the expanded capabilities of the newer systems.

“Our responsibility is to protect both” public safety and constitutional protections, Hyman said.

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Police/Fire/EMS

Two Hospitalized After Crash on Kings Highway in Valley Cottage

Published

4 days ago

on

August 9, 2026

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Emergency crews responded to a motor vehicle collision Sunday morning on Kings Highway, where two people were transported to the hospital.

Medic 5, RPS 8, Congers-Valley Cottage Ambulance and the Valley Cottage Fire Department responded to the scene.

Two patients were transported to Montefiore Nyack Hospital in stable condition.

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