BEAUFORT, S.C. () – The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) is looking to make residents aware of a growing number of scams targeting individuals and families across our community.

Criminals continue to develop their tactics, using technology and deception to defraud unsuspecting victims. This includes scams involving computers, email, mail, phone calls, text messages, and in-person encounters.

BCSO is committed to educating the public about these threats and providing steps to avoid becoming a victim.

Below are some of the most common scams currently reported in Beaufort County:

• Computer Account Takeover
  Scammers impersonate tech support and trick users into granting remote access to their computers. Once access is gained, scammers can steal sensitive information or demand payment to “fix” the issue.
• Phishing Emails
  Fake emails from what appear to be trusted organizations prompt victims to click on malicious links or provide login credentials.
• Jury Duty Scam
  Fraudsters claim the victim missed jury duty and must pay an immediate fine to avoid arrest. They often demand payment via gift cards or wire transfers.
• Law Enforcement Impersonation
  Scammers impersonate deputies or officers, using spoofed numbers and threats of arrest to pressure victims into paying fabricated fines.
• Government Impersonation
  Scammers impersonate the IRS, Social Security Administration, or other government agencies to steal personal information or demand payments.
• Toll Violation Notices
  Victims receive fake messages about unpaid tolls with links to fraudulent websites designed to steal payment details.
• Check Fraud
  Stolen checks that are often intercepted from mailboxes and then altered and cashed fraudulently. This continues to impact both individuals and businesses.
• Medicare/Medicaid Fraud
  Scammers offer free equipment or services in exchange for Medicare or Medicaid numbers, which are then used to commit fraud.
• Door-to-Door Scams
  Scammers may pose as utility workers, salespeople, or charity representatives to solicit money or gain access to your home.
• Online Wire Transfer Scams
  Victims are tricked into wiring money for fake emergencies, online purchases, or phony investment schemes.
• Cryptocurrency Scams
  Fraudsters demand crypto payments for alleged services or ransomware attacks.

How to Protect Yourself

• Never share personal or financial information with unsolicited callers or emails.
• Be cautious of urgency as scammers use pressure tactics to force quick decisions.
• Verify identities independently and don’t rely on caller ID or email addresses.
• Freeze your credit with all three major bureaus (Experian, Equifax, TransUnion).
• Avoid clicking unknown links or downloading suspicious attachments.
• Report all suspicious activity.

Report Scams

If you believe you’ve been targeted or scammed:

• Contact the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office at (843) 524-2777.
• File a report with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ftc.gov.
• File a report with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at ic3.gov.