Police are issuing a warning about a scam targeting college students in New Jersey.

According to authorities, students are receiving emails and phone calls that are either threatening or offering something for free.

Authorities say they are coming from contacts made to look like the school in which the student is attending.

Police say, when in doubt, check with a school administrator.

"Nothing is for free,” says Detective LT. Ed Kane, with the Upper Saddle River Police. “Somebody's offering you something for free, it's a scam. If somebody's offering you something, and asks to be paid any kind of money, green dot cards, via wire, more likely it's a scam."

Police say a woman in Upper Saddle River was among the victims of the scam.

She was reportedly tricked into cashing a $1,500 check and sending the money out of state.