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Man Wanted For Impersonating Police Officer In New Milford

NEW MILFORD, N.J. (CBSNewYork) -- If you get pulled over by a police officer and something seems wrong, it very well could be.

Police in New Jersey released a sketch Thursday, of an imposter who's wanted for stopping drivers in Bergen County and trying to scam them for cash.

As CBS2's Meg Baker reported, a New Milford man was driving along River Road around 8:45 p.m. on February 4, when he saw flashing lights from what he thought was an unmarked police vehicle.

"The suspect got out, approached the driver side of the vehicle, asked the driver for credentials for insurance, he handed them over," New Milford Police Detective Brian Carlino said.

Next, the man was told he had several unpaid tickets and that it was time to pay up right then and there, but the driver hadn't been cited for any violations recently.

The man sensed something was off.

"The victim stated that he would respond here and pay them," Carlino said.

New Milford police said the man was not one of their officers, and are hoping someone will recognize him.

He was wearing a generic police shirt with an American flag patch.

"The victim was driving south on River Road and he was pulled over by a 200-2006 late model Chevy Suburban or Tahoe," Carlino said.

If you are driving and see flashing lights behind you officers said there are a number of ways to determine if it's a real cop.

"Generally speaking when you get pulled over by a police officer they're usually using a marked car with overhead lights and a siren, the officers are usually uniformed with badges and guns and radio equipment," Chief Frank Ramaci said.

Police said the driver did not see a firearm on the phony police officer.

Authorities are asking anyone with information to call the New Milford Police Department at (201) 261-1400.

The suspect has been described as a white male in his mid to late twenties, 5'8", 200 lbs, with short salt and pepper hair and facial stubble.

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