Aiken, SC – Residents across Aiken County are being warned today about a rising phone scam in which callers impersonate members of the Aiken County Sheriff’s Office and demand money over alleged missed court dates.
According to the Aiken County Sheriff’s Office, multiple citizens have reported receiving calls from individuals claiming to be deputies. In several cases, scammers have allegedly used the actual names of active sheriff’s office employees, making the calls appear more legitimate. The callers tell residents they have missed a court date and must pay immediately to avoid a warrant being issued for their arrest.
Officials emphasized that the Sheriff’s Office will never call and request payment, personal financial information, or other sensitive data over the phone for missed court appearances. Deputies also do not threaten arrest in exchange for immediate payment.
The agency said the scam appears to be part of a broader trend affecting counties across South Carolina, where scammers use spoofed numbers, law-enforcement titles, and urgent language to pressure victims. These tactics are designed to create panic and limit the time a person spends verifying the claims.
Residents who receive one of these calls are advised to hang up immediately, avoid providing any personal information, and contact law enforcement directly using official phone numbers—not numbers provided by the caller. Anyone who has already shared information or made a payment is urged to file a report with the Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities say the rapidly circulating scam is active this week and encourage residents to warn family members, especially seniors, who are often targeted.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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