Berkeley County, SC – The Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office is urging residents to be alert this holiday season as scammers ramp up fake “tech support” pop-ups designed to steal money or personal information.
According to the sheriff’s office, these scams often appear as alarming messages claiming a computer is infected. Victims are prompted to call a fake support number or click “update” links that install malware.
BCSO shared the warning as part of its “12 Days of Scam-mas” campaign on social media, using humor and holiday cheer to spread awareness. Deputies dressed in festive hats reminded residents to stay calm if a pop-up appears, close the window safely, and never call the number displayed.
Officials also advised users to keep software updated, avoid clicking unknown links, and contact a trusted IT professional if they suspect a scam attempt. Legitimate companies like Microsoft or Apple, the sheriff’s office noted, will never request remote access or payment via pop-up alerts.
“Stay alert, stay secure, and don’t let scammers tech-support their way into your holidays,” the post read.
Residents can follow the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office on Facebook for daily scam-prevention tips throughout December.
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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