The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office is warning about several scams currently affecting residents or being reported nationwide.
Navy Federal Imposter Scam
The Sheriff’s Office has received reports of scammers posing as Navy Federal Credit Union fraud representatives. Victims are told their accounts have been compromised and instructed to transfer money to another account to “protect” their funds.
Beaufort County victims have lost thousands of dollars to this scam.
Never transfer money based on an unsolicited call, text or email. Hang up and contact your financial institution directly using a trusted phone number.
Farm Equipment Business Imposter Scam
Scammers are posing as legitimate farm equipment businesses and advertising tractors and other equipment online. Victims receive professional-looking invoices and are instructed to send thousands of dollars, often by wire transfer, for a deposit or full payment.
The equipment never arrives, and the scammer disappears or makes excuses about the delivery.
Before making a large purchase, 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, and online at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
