New Scam Reported in Oconee County

The Oconee County Sheriff’s Office has issued its third scam update for March 2024 due to ongoing law enforcement scams. A victim reported receiving a call from an individual posing as a Sheriff’s Office representative, who claimed the victim had an arrest warrant for missing jury duty. The caller promised to recall the warrant or drop the charges if the victim paid $2,900 via prepaid cards, which the victim did.

Additional scams have been reported, with callers indicating missed jury duty and mentioning speaking with Captain Ken Washington, a Sheriff’s Office employee. In one case, the scammer used an official Sheriff’s Office number and offered the called person the option to pay and be held at the Law Enforcement Center in Walhalla until processed, or to pay via bitcoin.

The Sheriff’s Office advises the public to avoid interacting with scammers, who are professionals at stealing money and personal information. Master Deputy Jimmy Watt says scammers love to create a sense of urgency to manipulate victims into making decisions they wouldn’t normally make…

If you receive a call from someone claiming to be law enforcement who says you have an arrest warrant and requests money to drop the charges, hang up and call the reported law enforcement agency. Law enforcement will not ask for money to recall a warrant or drop charges. If payment is requested via unusual methods like gift cards, prepaid cards, or bitcoin, it is likely a scam.