The Aiken County Sheriff’s Office is warning citizens to be wary of an on-going phone scam.
In a press release, the ACSO, said scammers are trying to get funds from citizens by telling them they have missed jury duty, they have outstanding fines or warrants that need to be paid immediately to avoid being arrested.
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“These perpetrators have gone as far as to email/text a photo of a fictitious warrant to potential victims,” the press release said. “They also make claims of being associated with the Aiken County Sheriff’s Office and any other governmental agency in order to solicit money from citizens in the county. Law Enforcement Agencies or Governmental Agencies do not collect fines or fees over the phone, nor will they share a copy of an unserved warrant. Citizens should be aware that if you have any outstanding fines, you should pay them to the appropriate Clerk of Court Office directly or by mail. Anyone who is identifying themselves as a Law Enforcement Officer or as a representative of a government agency over the phone with the intention to collect money, victims should request all contact information and contact numbers from the person who is calling.”
The sheriff’s office provided some tips to remember:
Here are a few tips to remember:
- Unserved warrants will not be emailed or text
- Law Enforcement/government agencies will not contact you demanding
- immediate payment for outstanding fines/warrants
- Be cautious of giving out personal information over the phone
- Do not agree to any payment over the phone for a company/agency you are not
- familiar with
If anyone has information about suspects or wants to report calls of this nature or any case, they are encouraged to contact your local law enforcement agency. The Aiken County Sheriff’s Office can be reached at 803-648-6811, the Aiken Department of Public Safety at (803) 642-7620 and the North Augusta Department of Public Safety at 803-279-2121.
