A scam has re-emerged in Beaufort County where fraudsters are impersonating law enforcement officers.
Within the last few days, the Sheriff’s Office has received several calls from community members reporting that they have been solicited by a person representing the Sheriff’s Office for payment of fines or penalties related to missed jury duty or some other legal obligation.
The scammer may ask the unknowing victim to come to the Sheriff’s Office to pay the fine/debt but will ultimately re-direct them to a local retail establishment to obtain an alternative method of payment (gift cards of some sort). The scammer accomplishes this by threats of a possible arrest if they actually appear in person at the office. They will then accept the gift card payment over the phone.
As a reminder, the Sheriff’s Office does not accept payment for fines and penalties related to criminal matters nor will we solicit payment over the phone.
If you receive a call from a scammer, simply hang up. If you have a question about the information that they are providing to you, ask for a callback number and reach out to our office for verification.
Never provide any personal or banking information to callers if you don’t have an established relationship with them.
Lastly, stay vigilant. Scammers are always creating new and clever ways to defraud unknowing victims.
