Oconee County Sheriff’s Office Issues Additional March 2024 Scams Update

(Walhalla, SC)-------------------------------------The Oconee County Sheriff’s Office is issuing today an additional March 2024 Scams Update.

A Financial Crimes Investigator from the Criminal Investigations Bureau was made aware of a scam in which a text message was sent asking for authorization for a charge that turns out to be fraudulent.  If the receiver of the text responds no, then an additional text will be sent back saying that a “representative” will call you. 

According to the Investigator, the “representative” will call using caller I.D. spoofing to make it appear that they are calling from a Bank of America Customer Service number.  The “representative” will then try to get the receiver of the call to confirm the last eight to 10 digits of their debit card number.

If questioned concerning why they do not have the remaining digits for the debit card number, the “representative” will say that they are not authorized to release that information.  They will also give out the first few digits of the card number for Bank of America which makes it seem legitimate. 

“We all have to realize that scammers are professionals at what they do and they are well trained in stealing your money, your personal identifying information and your financial account information,” says Master Deputy Jimmy Watt, Public Information Officer from the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office.  “Obviously, the less interaction you have with a scammer, the better your chances of not being scammed.  As we have stated in previous news releases, any company that you do business with will have any and all information of yours ahead of time so you do not need to supply them with that information.  Also, if you do not recognize any numbers that either call your or text you, our recommendation is not to answer the phone or respond to any text or phone messages you receive.”

The Sheriff’s Office continues to receive reports of law enforcement scams.  Yesterday, two citizens received phone calls from someone claiming to be a law enforcement officer.  The citizens said that they each were told that they had missed jury duty and that either arrest warrants or a contact order had been issued. 

In one case, a victim paid money through a pay app and a cryptocurrency cash exchange in order to have any warrants recalled.  In both instances, a Sheriff’s Office Deputy spoke with a Deputy Kenny Cox, who after speaking with each Deputy then hung up on them.  Also, both persons were asked to come to the Law Enforcement Center in Walhalla.

“As we stated in our first Scams Update issued this month, a law enforcement officer will not ask, nor will accept, payment to have any warrant recalled,” says Master Deputy Watt.  “The Sheriff’s Office also does not have an employee with the name of Kenny Cox.  One possibility as to why the citizens were asked to come to the Law Enforcement Center may have to do with making the scam seem more legitimate.”