Brick Police Looking for Man Who Defrauded Woman With Phony Bank Deposit

Brick Township police are asking for the public's help in identifying a man who defrauded a woman out of cash by sending her money in a phony wire transfer.

The man, shown in the photographs that accompany this story, befriended the victim and said he wired a large deposit into her bank account, Sgt. Henry Drew said.

The man then requested that she withdraw a portion of these funds with the promise that she would be able to keep the remaining balance, but after the transactions took place, it was discovered that the initial deposit was fraudulent, Drew said.

The victim told police that she met the man at a tattoo party in New Brunswick which was hosted by a man who goes by the nickname "Smacks." The suspect identified himself as “Kevin Phillips”, however it is not known if this was his actual name, Drew said.

Anyone who believes that they may recognize the suspect is being asked to contact Detective Kenneth Steinberg in the Brick Township Police Detective Bureau at 732-262-1113. Callers can also contact the Brick Township Police Department directly at 732-262-1100.