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Cybersecurity Advisory for Linden Residents – Tax Collector Scams

With tax season underway, we have observed a significant increase in tax-related phishing and vishing (voice phishing) campaigns over the past month. In these schemes, cybercriminals exploit legitimate cloud services to host malicious files designed to install sophisticated malware; specifically, a Remote Access Trojan (RAT). Once deployed, this malware grants threat actors persistent remote access to infected devices, enabling them to steal sensitive data and even deploy ransomware.

We have also received reports of fraudulent outbound phone calls in which scammers impersonate representatives from Tax Collector offices. To help protect Linden residents, it is important to understand exactly how our office operates.

How Our Office Communicates with You

Please be advised: the City of Linden’s Tax Collector’s office will never demand immediate payment over the phone. There are, however, specific circumstances where we may need to reach out to you directly. These calls generally occur when a property is in danger of having a lien placed due to non-payment, or when we encounter an issue with a recent payment, for example, if a check was returned due to account restrictions, if the payment amount was short, or if the check was filled out incorrectly.

In these instances, a legitimate representative from our office will always do the following:

  • Clearly identify themselves by name.
  • State that they are calling from the City of Linden Tax Collector’s office.
  • Explain the specific issue with your account.
  • Advise you to come into our office in person to resolve the matter. We will never demand an immediate payment method over the phone.

How to Protect Yourself

If you receive an unsolicited call from someone claiming to be from our office, hang up immediately. Do not engage, and do not provide any personal or financial information.

  • If the call is legitimate: The caller will instruct you to visit our office. You can then verify the issue in person.
  • If the call is a scam: The caller may attempt to pressure you for payment. Remember, we will never demand payment on the spot.

To verify the status of your account or report the call, always and only contact the City’s Tax Collector’s Department directly using the official phone numbers here.

It is also critical to note that threat actors are now recording victims’ voices during these calls. These recordings can be used to generate AI-powered voice clones to impersonate you in future scams. This is an emerging tactic that can be combatted by ending any suspicious call immediately without engaging the caller.

Always remember the following.

  • Avoid clicking links, responding to, or acting on unsolicited text messages.
  • Confirm requests from senders via contact information obtained from verified and official sources.
  • Report fraudulent activity to the Linden Police Department, to the NJCCIC, FTC, and FBI’s IC3, and forward the message to 7726 (SPAM).

February 24, 2026 Board of Health Meeting Cancelled

IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE OPEN PUBLIC MEETINGS ACT, NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT:

The City of Linden Board of Health Meeting scheduled for Tuesday, February 24, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. at the Community Center Building at 605 South Wood Avenue, Linden, NJ has been cancelled due to lingering effects of the blizzard.

The next Regular Meeting of the City of Linden Board of Health is scheduled for Tuesday, March 24, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. at the Community Center Building at 605 South Wood Avenue, Linden, NJ.

Legal notice of this meeting cancellation will be filed with the Office of the City Clerk, posted on the doors of City Hall, posted on the doors of the JTG Center, posted in the lobby of the Health Department offices at the Community Center Building, and posted on the Events Calendar of the City of Linden website.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Storm Update – Ordinance 60-4 Enforcement

As per Ordinance Number 60-4, Linden residents are normally required to remove snow from sidewalks within six (6) hours after any snowfall.

Due to the magnitude of the February 23rd blizzard, Mayor Derek Armstead has announced that this ordinance will not be enforced until Wednesday morning, February 25, 2026. This will give residents an additional twenty four (24) hours to ensure that all snow is properly removed from sidewalks.

Storm Update – Statewide Travel Ban Extended

Statewide travel ban extended until 12pm on Monday, February 23, 2026. Blizzard conditions continue through mid-afternoon.

The New Jersey State travel ban has been extended because road conditions are extremely dangerous. Please comply and stay home! Blizzard conditions, including high winds and reduced visibility, will continue until the late afternoon hours.
 
High winds and heavy snow may lead to downed wires and power outages. Please charge your devices and take appropriate precautions. Non-emergency utility problems or outages should be reported directly using the contact points below:

  • PSE&G – 1(800) 436-7734
  • Elizabethtown Gas – 1(800) 242-5830
  • New Jersey American Water – 1(800) 272-1325
  • Comcast – 1(800) 266-2278
  • Verizon FiOS – 1(888) 438-3467
  • Verizon – 1(800) 827-4966

As always, please reserve 9-1-1 for EMERGENCIES ONLY. Thank you for your continued cooperation.

Storm Update – Modified DPW Schedule & Closures

There has been no change in the latest forecast. Blizzard conditions, including high winds and reduced visibility, will continue through midday tomorrow, Monday February 23, 2026. Snow accumulations of 18-24″ are expected. A State of Emergency remains in effect for our area. As a result, the following activities will be affected for Monday, February 23, 2026:

  • Linden City services, including the Recycling Center and DPW Trash Drop-off site, will be closed. Non-essential employees should remain home.
  • Linden Public Schools will be closed.
  • Alternate side of the street parking rules are suspended on Mon. They will remain in effect for the remainder of the week.
  • Recycling collection has been postponed. A modified schedule for the week is listed below.

DPW Modified Schedule

District 1, 2, 3, 9, & 10

  • Bottles & Cans – Tuesday, 2/24
  • Garbage – Thursday 2/26

Districts 4, 5, 6, 7 & 8

  • Bottles & Cans – Wednesday 2/25
  • Garbage – Friday 2/27
  • Trash will be collected in District 8 on Wednesday, 2/25.

Thank you for your continued cooperation.

New Jersey State Police Issue Travel Restriction

West Trenton, N.J. – The New Jersey Office of Emergency Management under the Division of the New Jersey State Police have issued a mandatory travel restriction beginning 9:00 pm on Sunday, February 22, 2026, and ending 7:00 am on Monday, February 23, 2026, in response to a major winter storm expected to bring heavy snow, blizzard conditions, and strong winds across the state.

Governor Sherrill declared a State of Emergency on Saturday, February 21, 2026, effective Sunday, February 22, 2026, at 12:00 pm, to protect public safety and ensure timely snow removal and emergency response.

Travel Restriction Details:

  • All non-exempt vehicles are prohibited from operating on state, county, municipal, and interstate roadways during this period.
  • The New Jersey Turnpike is exempt from this restriction.
  • Violators may face penalties under state law.

Exemptions:

The travel restriction does not apply to:

  • Emergency and public safety vehicles and personnel
  • Public works and snow removal crews
  • Public transportation vehicles and personnel
  • Government officials conducting official business
  • Utility company vehicles and personnel
  • Healthcare workers and urgent medical travel
  • Personnel supporting emergency shelter operations and human services facilities
  • Delivery of critical medical supplies and services to healthcare facilities
  • News media
  • Private snow removal contractors
  • Patients seeking urgent critical care and their escorts
  • Travel necessary to maintain critical infrastructure and essential services, including energy, fuel, food, pharmacies, and hardware stores
  • Personnel supporting airline and airport operations

This measure is intended to safeguard lives and allow emergency and utility crews to clear roads and restore essential services as quickly as possible.

Important Blizzard Parking Information

Mayor Derek Armstead, in cooperation with Linden Public Schools, will open municipal and school parking lots to help residents with parking challenges during the Monday, February 23, 2026 Winter Storm.

Beginning at 12pm on Sunday, February 22, 2026, Linden residents may park their vehicles in the following locations free of charge.

  • School No. 1 – 728 N Wood Ave
  • School No. 2 – 1700 S Wood Ave
  • School No. 4 – 1602 Dill Ave
  • School No. 5 – 1014 Bower St
  • School No. 6 – 19 E Morris Ave
  • School No. 8 – 500 W Blancke St
  • School No. 9 – 1401 Deerfield Terr
  • School No. 10 – 2801 Highland Ave
  • McManus Middle School – 300 Edgewood Rd
  • Soehl Middle School – 300 E Henry St
  • Linden High School – 121 West Saint Georges Ave
  • Linden Academy of Excellence (old St. Elizabeth’s School) – 170 Hussa St
  • E Blancke St (CVS) parking lot
  • E Elm St parking lot – 28 E Elm St
  • Knopf St parking lot – 14 Knopf St
  • Linden Library – 31 E Henry St
  • Linden Multi-purpose Center – 1025 John St
  • Linden PAL Fields – Lower Rd
  • Linden Train Station (both sides) – 2 S Wood Ave
  • Memorial Field – 46 Lower Rd
  • Wheeler Park – 234 W Stimpson Ave
  • 7th ward Rec Center – 2907 Tremley Point Rd 
  • 8th Ward Rec Center – 2199 Bedle Pl
  • Sinai Christian Academy (Old School #3) – 2301 Grier Ave

Parking is available in MARKED PARKING SPACES ONLY on a first come – first served basis. VEHICLES MUST BE REMOVED FROM THESE AREAS WITHIN 4 HOURS AFTER SNOW STOPS. Vehicles that are not removed in accordance with guidance will be towed at the owners expense.

This is a potentially historic storm, and your cooperation is essential to our efforts during and following the storm. 

Public Works Editorial

Prepared for Linden Residents

For the last few weeks, many Linden residents experienced the consequences of not moving vehicles during a snow event. Vehicles were lined up on both sides of many streets, which meant that the City’s snow plows could only push the snow in the middle of those streets. Many cars were parked on the corners, which prevented the City’s snow plows from moving snow from those corners.

After the storm, Linden residents used ATVs with plows, snowblowers, and shovels to clear out their properties. Unfortunately, many residents deposited that snow back into the street, showing little to no concern for their neighbors, or for passable streets after the storm. This caused many streets to look as though they had not been plowed. Freezing temperatures made it incredibly challenging, and in many cases impossible, to remove the frozen snow that had been thrown back on to the streets.

Our plows are out during and immediately after all snow storms. We time slow plowing operations such that they enable the most optimal and safe conditions. Snow removal in the day(s) after a storm is very time consuming; as such, extended wait times can be expected. We ask all Linden residents, in order to avoid the painful experience from the last storm, please make sure of the following.

Parking

  • Vehicles must be removed from Snow Emergency streets. Permanent signs are posted to designate these streets. Vehicles that remain parked on designated streets will be ticketed, and then immediately towed.
  • On all other streets, please make every effort to remove your vehicles from the street until after plow operations are completed. You may choose to double up in your driveways, ask a neighbor to share a driveway or even park on your grass. If you have no other options but to keep your vehicles on the street, make every effort not to park near street corners.

Snow Removal

  • Keep all snow from your driveways and walkways on your property. Do NOT dump snow into sidewalks or streets.
  • All walkways adjacent to your properties must be cleared within 12 hours after the storm has ended.
  • If you choose to pay for private snow clearing assistance, it is recommended that you do so when the storm has ended so they do the job once and correctly.

Thank you in advance for your cooperation.

Linden Public Works Department