Stay Alert: Newberry County Residents Targeted by Scam Calls
Newberry County, S.C. — Residents of Newberry County should keep their antennas up for scam calls that might be pretending to come from the local Sheriff, Lee Foster, or other members of the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office (NCSO). Recently, there have been complaints from individuals in the area about receiving suspicious phone calls where the caller claimed to be the sheriff or a deputy.
What’s Happening?
According to reports, these scam calls typically involve someone impersonating Sheriff Foster or another deputy. During the conversation, the caller asks for some personal financial information, often claiming it’s needed to settle a debt related to civil processes, a warrant, or even an alleged failure to appear for jury duty. It’s concerning for both the authorities and the community, as these scammers are not only breaching trust but also putting the residents at risk of financial loss.
NCSO Sounds the Alarm
The Newberry County Sheriff’s Office has taken to social media to warn the public about these fraudulent calls. They made it clear that their office does not engage in any practices where they demand money or threaten legal action over the phone. They want to reassure the folks in Newberry County that any communication regarding debts or legal matters will not be conducted in this aggressive manner.
Don’t Fall for It!
In the Facebook post, the NCSO shared a few key reminders to help residents stay safe:
- Hang up immediately if you receive one of these calls.
- Don’t share any personal information, including your Social Security number, credit card details, or any bank account information.
- Consider reporting the call to the NCSO or your local authorities.
People are encouraged to respond to these unwanted calls with a few “choice words” before hanging up — a simple yet effective way to express your frustration with their deceitfulness.
Stay Connected
The NCSO is dedicated to keeping the community informed and prepared for such situations. They also encourage residents to stay connected through their various communication channels, including social media. Being aware of potential scams is a great way to protect yourself and your loved ones. In a world where technology often brings us closer, it also opens the door to those with dishonest intentions.
What to Do If You’re Unsure
If you’ve received a suspicious call and are unsure of its authenticity, take a moment to hang up and verify the situation:
- Look up the official phone number for the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office. Give them a call to report the incident or ask for confirmation about the call.
- Consult with friends, family, or neighbors to see if anyone else has received similar calls.
Your safety and peace of mind are important! Remember, the scammers often employ high-pressure tactics to scare individuals into providing personal information. Take a deep breath and know that it’s okay to take a step back to validate if the call was legitimate.
Spread the Word
It’s crucial to spread the word among your friends, family, and neighbors about these scam calls. By sharing this information within the community, we can help keep each other safe from these fraudulent activities. Awareness is one of the best tools we have in combating these types of scams.
Stay smart, stay informed, and remember: If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Let’s keep Newberry County safe together!
