Sumter sheriff’s office warns residents of phone scam involving law enforcement impersonation
A common phone scam has returned and takes advantage of vulnerable residents, and Sumter County Sheriff’s Office has offered tips to avoid falling victim.
Throughout 2024, the sheriff's office released several alerts regarding scams in the community that have involved persons impersonating law enforcement or court officials to claim money for fines and fees that must be paid immediately or the individual will face arrest. This tactic has returned, now involving a second scammer, also impersonating law enforcement, who “verifies” the fine or warrant, said Mark Bordeaux, public information officer for the sheriff’s office.
The scammer urges their potential victims to pay the fine by using a credit card, debit card, cash app, gift card or similar payment tool, even waiting until the victim purchases a cash card, Bordeaux said.
This scam may be successful because the scammer has been known to use not only the names of genuine law enforcement officials, but also actual phone numbers of a local law enforcement agency, according to Bordeaux. Some victims have been involved in a conference call using the actual number of a local agency so that it appears to be legitimate.
The sheriff’s office offers the following information to avoid falling victim to this scam and similar ones:
- Sumter County Sheriff’s Office does not accept payment by phone. All fines are paid in person at the courthouse.
- The sheriff’s office does not do warrant-related business over the phone. Persons must come to the agency with their personal identification.
- Never give personal information to anyone over the phone, via text or email.
- Always find the number of the agency on your own and independently verify whether a call, text or email is legitimate.
- If you receive calls warning you of impending additional fines or arrest if you do not pay by phone, hang up and contact the sheriff's office.
- If you have been one of the many victims of a scam, report the incident to the sheriff’s office.
To report a scam to sheriff’s office, call (803) 436-2000 or visit 1281 N. Main St.