11/14/2024
Public Service Announcement: Scam Phone Calls in Abbeville County
The Abbeville County Sheriff’s Office has recently received a significant increase in reports and citizen complaints regarding scam phone calls. These scams involve individuals posing as businesses or law enforcement officers, attempting to deceive residents into making fraudulent payments. Some of the reported scams include:
Businesses demanding payment for services allegedly rendered and threatening to terminate service if payment is not made immediately.
Scammers impersonating deputies from the Abbeville County Sheriff’s Office, claiming that the victim has outstanding local, state, or federal warrants and demanding immediate payment to avoid arrest.
These scammers often instruct victims to purchase gift cards or other prepaid cards from retail stores and then provide the card information over the phone. Please note, legitimate businesses and government agencies will never ask for payment in this manner.
Important Information:
If you are contacted for official matters, it will be through the United States Postal Service.
The Sheriff’s Office will NEVER contact you by phone or text to threaten arrest or issue warrants.
We do not accept payments over the phone for any reason, including for recalling a warrant or resolving legal issues.
If you receive any suspicious calls or messages of this nature, please report them immediately:
Abbeville County Sheriff’s Office: 864-446-6000
Abbeville County Dispatch: 864-366-8451
Stay informed and protect yourself from scams. Please share this information with friends and family, especially those who may be more vulnerable to these fraudulent tactics.
