(01/13/06) JERSEY CITY ? Jersey City police say scam artists are trying to profit off the death of two police officers.

Officers Shawn Carson and Robert Nguyen died Christmas night when their vehicle plunged off a drawbridge and into the Hackensack River. According to a Jersey City business owner, an individual claiming to be with the Jersey City Police Department recently called him to solicit money for the officers? families. The business owner says he grew suspicious and informed the police department about the call.

Representatives of the Jersey City Police Department say the phone call was a complete scam. According to Lieutenant Thomas Comey, the department would never solicit funds in the name of the two officers. Police urge anyone who receives a similar call to withhold all personal information and to contact their local police department immediately.

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