05/28/2023
The SCAM ALERT we shared with you about a week ago has evolved. PLUS – a new one to tell you about. ⤵️
Updated scam details:
A man calls you from the phone number 843-605-0395. Once on the phone, the man identifies himself as a member of our agency. He says you were subpoenaed for jury duty, and you failed to show up. As a result, you must pay a $2,500 fine via an app, sometimes in Bitcoin. Once you paid the quote fine, you can go to the Clerk of Courts office for a refund the next day. The Magistrate Court, as well as our Law Enforcement Center in Beaufort have even been mentioned.
THIS IS A SCAM! No one from our agency would ever call you stating the above or ask for money.
The NEW SCAM ALERT was reported to us by the Beaufort County Treasurer’s Office. Here's how this one works:
You receive a written notice in the mail. It appears to be legit. On the front of it is printed “Pending Lien Enforcements”. The notice states that the State of South Carolina has attempted to collect overdue debt and gives you a number to call, as well as a deadline. It also says the State will seize your property for non-payment of taxes, penalties and interest due to the State.
Luckily, a Beaufort County taxpayer followed up with the Treasurer’s Office after receiving this notice. As a result, the SC Department of Revenue has been made aware and confirms it’s a scam.
Below is information that can help you AVOID falling victim to a scam.
▪️ Know that scammers PRETEND to be from an organization you know.
▪️ Most of the time there’s a PROBLEM or PRIZE involved in their spiel.
▪️ Scammers will PRESSURE you to act immediately.
▪️ They will tell you to PAY in a specific way.
If you feel like you've been a victim of a scam, report it by calling our non-emergency dispatch line at 843-524-2777.