The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office is warning about several scams currently affecting residents or being reported nationwide.
Financial Institution Imposter Scam
Scammers are posing as representatives from banks, credit unions, or other financial institutions. Victims are told their accounts have been compromised and instructed to transfer money to another account to “protect” their funds.
Thousands of dollars have been lost in this scam.
Never transfer money based on an unsolicited call, text, or email.
Business Imposter Scam
Scammers are posing as legitimate businesses and advertising services or merchandise online. Victims receive professional-looking invoices and are instructed to send funds, often by wire transfer or payment app, for a deposit or full payment.
The services are never rendered, or the merchandise never arrives, and the scammer disappears or makes excuses.
Always independently verify the business and be cautious of anyone demanding payment by wire transfer or other difficult-to-reverse methods.
National Preparedness Month Scams
September is National Preparedness Month, and scammers often take advantage of severe weather and disasters by posing as government officials, charities, or contractors.
Prepare now by reviewing your insurance coverage, securely storing important documents, creating a household inventory, researching contractors, and signing up for trusted local emergency alerts.
Stop. Verify. Then act.
Scammers often create urgency to pressure victims into acting before they have time to think. Before sending money or providing personal information, stop and independently verify who you are dealing with.
Anyone who believes they have been the victim of a scam should immediately contact their financial institution and report suspected fraud to their local law enforcement agency. Fraud can also be reported to the Federal Trade Commission online at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and to the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Internet Crimes Complaint Center at ic3.gov.
