Oconee County Sheriff’s Office Issues May 2025 Scams Update

(Walhalla, SC)-------------------------------------In our continuing efforts to educate and inform our citizens, and to prevent them from becoming victims of scams, the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office is releasing today our May 2025 Scams Update.

A Financial Crimes Investigator assigned to the Fraud Unit spoke with a victim of a scam.  According to the Investigator, the victim was threatened and the scammer demanded $20,000 in Cryptocurrency in a text message or a family member of the victim would be killed. 

The victim received a phone call but did not answer the phone.  The victim also did not make any payment with any Cryptocurrency. 

“If someone attempts to blackmail you to make a payment by making a threat of bodily harm to a loved one, or yourself, do not respond to any messages and contact law enforcement immediately to file a report,” says Corporal Jimmy Watt, Public Information Officer for the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office.”  Also, do not make any payments and make sure to save any messages or correspondence that you receive for Investigators.  The saving of this information is important as Investigators may be able to use this information to identify any potential suspects in an investigation, which may help to hold those responsible accountable for their actions.”

Financial Crime Investigators were also made aware of a scam concerning lawn care services involving homes for sale.  According to Investigators, a quote was entered by a victim and a contract was obtained.  The victim sent a check which cleared the bank, making it appear that it was a legitimate transaction. 

The victim was requested to send $1,000 for an authorization letter and another check was sent.  Then, the victim was asked to send a payment through Zelle while the check was on hold with the bank, which the victim refused to do. 

The homeowner was contacted but the transactions and contact was never authorized.  Investigators also discovered that the communication was unprofessional and was from a Gmail account. 

Payment was also requested to be made using Apple Pay and reloadable Visa cards, according to the Investigators. 

“A sure sign of a scam, as we have stated in previous releases, is a request to make a payment via an unusual method, such as gift cards, for example,” says Corporal Watt.  “Also, if someone makes more than one request for payment, even after an initial payment is made, consider this request to be a sign of a possible scam.  If you are in need of a company to perform any lawn care services, don’t hesitate to reach out to friends or family and see if they can make a recommendation to you.”