Beware of Scam Calls in Newberry County
Newberry County, S.C. – In recent days, local residents have found themselves on the receiving end of a disturbing phone call that has raised alarm bells in the community. The Newberry County Sheriff’s Office is reaching out to residents with a friendly but urgent reminder to be cautious about certain scam calls that are making the rounds.
What’s Happening?
According to officials, scammers are impersonating Newberry County Sheriff’s Deputies and calling individuals in the area, claiming they have missed jury duty and are facing arrest. While this might sound plausible at first glance, the sheriff’s office reassures everyone that no legitimate law enforcement agency would handle jury duty matters in this manner.
How the Scam Works
During these phone calls, the scammers typically present themselves as actual deputies. Shockingly, they even go so far as to use real names of deputies employed by the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office, hoping to lend credibility to their claims. The scammers then warn the unsuspecting victims that in order to avoid arrest, they must pay a fine immediately over the phone.
This is where it’s essential to know that if you genuinely miss jury duty, no one is going to call you to demand payment, especially over the phone. “We will never ask for money or gift cards over the phone,” emphasized a spokesperson from the sheriff’s office, highlighting how critical it is for residents to be aware of these tactics.
What Should You Do?
The Newberry County Sheriff’s Office has been quite proactive in advising the community on how to handle these situations. Here are a few tips they recommend:
- Don’t fall for it! If you receive a call from someone claiming to be a deputy and demanding money, it’s likely a scam.
- Hang up and report it! If you suspect that you’ve been targeted, inform the sheriff’s department. Your report can help prevent others from experiencing the same issue.
- Never send money! Whether it’s through gift cards, money orders, or any other method, never send money to someone over the phone for fines or debts you didn’t incur.
Stay Informed and Safe
It’s always wise to keep your ears open and stay informed about what’s happening in your area. The Newberry County Sheriff’s Office is working diligently to spread the word and protect the integrity of our community. These calls can be confusing and stressful, especially if you’re caught off guard. However, with some straightforward knowledge, residents can minimize their chances of falling victim to these schemes.
In conclusion, if you get a call that makes you feel uneasy or if something just isn’t sitting right, trust your instincts! Make a quick call to the sheriff’s office or a friend who can offer some perspective. Remember, you comprise a part of the safety net that helps keep your community secure, and together, we can tangle with these scam rings effectively.
Contact the Sheriff’s Office
Always feel free to reach out to the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office with any questions or concerns about phone scams or any kind of suspicious activity. Being alert and informed is the best approach to staying safe.
Stay safe, stay informed, and spread the word. Together, we can keep Newberry County a wonderful place to live!
