Chester, SC – Residents across Chester County are being warned today about a fast-moving phone scam in which callers falsely claim to be members of the Chester County Sheriff’s Office. The alert, issued Wednesday morning, urges residents to ignore any call demanding immediate payment to resolve a supposed failure to appear for court.
According to the Chester County Sheriff’s Office, scammers are contacting residents by phone or text while impersonating a captain or deputy. The criminals allegedly tell victims they missed a court date and must pay immediately to avoid arrest. Officials stressed that the message is entirely fraudulent and that no legitimate member of the department would ever request payment over the phone.
The Sheriff’s Office said the individuals behind the scheme are not associated with law enforcement in any way, and deputies will never contact residents to collect money for fines, warrants, or missed court dates. Anyone receiving such a call is advised not to provide personal information and not to send money under any circumstances.
Local authorities are urging residents to report suspicious calls and check directly with the Sheriff’s Office if they receive any message that appears unusual or threatening. The warning comes as similar impersonation scams have been reported across South Carolina in recent months, often targeting older adults or individuals unfamiliar with court procedures.
Residents who believe they were targeted may contact the Chester County Sheriff’s Office for verification or to file a report.
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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