GLOUCESTER CITY, New Jersey (WPVI) — Authorities in Camden County have arrested two individuals accused of impersonating county officials in an attempt to gain entry into homes in Gloucester City.
On May 13, Nicholas Maniscalco, 20, from Runnemede, and Antonio Martinez, 23, from Glassboro, were reported going door-to-door on Chestnut Avenue, falsely claiming to be employees of the County Clerk’s Office. They stated they needed to inspect homes for damage.
Sandra Marti, a resident, recounted her experience: “They wanted to know if they could inspect my house for damage. I said, ‘First of all, we don’t have any damage in our home.’ And I asked to see identification. One guy showed me his driver’s license but quickly pulled it away from the Ring camera.” Recognizing something was amiss, Marti promptly contacted the police.
As a result, both men were charged with impersonating a public servant, a disorderly persons offense. Dan Keashen, Public Affairs Director of Camden County, emphasized the seriousness of this scam, marking it as the first specifically targeting the clerk’s department. “We don’t have home inspectors. The county clerk’s office does not send individuals to inspect homes,” Keashen warned. He urged homeowners to remain cautious and aware of such scams.
The incident has left some residents feeling uneasy. Neighbor Diane Handy expressed concern, saying, “That’s why it was scary, especially with all the police officers living here.”
Authorities remind residents always to request identification from anyone seeking entry into their homes. Maniscalco and Martinez are scheduled to appear in court on May 28.