Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office warns residents about payment scams

BEAUFORT, S.C. (WTOC) - The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents about scams that demand payment. The office said criminals are using phone calls, text messages, emails and social media to get people to send money or share personal information.

How the scams work

The sheriff’s office said scammers often pose as government agencies, law enforcement officers, financial institutions or well-known businesses. They may tell a person they owe money, have an outstanding warrant, need to fix a bank account problem or have won a prize.

The office said scammers often create a sense of urgency to pressure victims into acting right away to avoid consequences.

Warning signs

The sheriff’s office said one warning sign is when someone insists on a specific payment method. The office urged residents to be cautious when asked to pay by:

• Bank transfer
• Wire transfer
• Cryptocurrency
• Payment app
• Gift card

The office said legitimate law enforcement agencies will never demand payment over the phone to avoid arrest, resolve an outstanding warrant or address missed jury duty.

How to protect yourself

The sheriff’s office encouraged residents to take these steps:

• Be cautious of unexpected contact. Do not immediately trust unsolicited calls, messages or emails, even if they appear to come from a familiar organization or government agency.
• Question unusual payment requests. Do not send money because someone demands a certain payment method or threatens consequences.
• Verify before responding. Research the person or organization on your own. Search the name with words such as “scam,” “review” or “complaint,” and use verified contact information to confirm the request.
• Use secure payment methods. The office said credit cards generally offer more protection against fraudulent transactions.
• Act quickly if you sent money. Contact your bank, credit card company or payment provider right away and ask if the transaction can be stopped or reversed.

Where to report scams

The sheriff’s office encouraged anyone who believes they encountered a scam or were a victim of fraud to report it. The office said reports can help authorities identify fraudulent schemes and prevent other victims.

Scams can be reported to:

• Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office non-emergency dispatch: 843-524-2777
• Federal Trade Commission: ReportFraud.ftc.gov
• FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center: ic3.gov

The sheriff’s office also encouraged residents to follow its official social media accounts for scam alerts, crime prevention tips and public safety information.