Darlington County, South Carolina – Deputies are warning residents after a phone scam impersonating the sheriff’s office prompted a response in the Hartsville area.
According to the Darlington County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were called Tuesday to Howell Lane after a resident reported being contacted by phone by someone posing as a Darlington County deputy. The caller allegedly told the victim they had outstanding warrants for writing bad checks and demanded payment to avoid arrest.
Investigators said the suspect instructed the victim to purchase $2,500 in Lowe’s gift cards and provide the card information over the phone so the supposed “debt” could be paid off. Deputies later confirmed the call was a scam and not associated with the sheriff’s office.
The sheriff’s office emphasized that it will never request payment, gift cards, or money transfers to resolve warrants or prevent jail time. Officials said scammers often rely on fear and urgency to pressure victims into acting quickly before verifying the call.
Authorities also warned that scammers can spoof phone numbers to make it appear as if calls are coming from legitimate law enforcement agencies, including the Darlington County Sheriff’s Office.
Residents who receive calls demanding immediate payment while claiming to be law enforcement are advised to hang up and not provide any personal or financial information. Anyone uncertain about a call’s legitimacy should contact the sheriff’s office directly using an official, publicly listed phone number.
No arrests have been announced, and the incident remains under investigation.
The sheriff’s office encouraged residents to share the warning with family members, particularly older adults and young workers who may be unfamiliar with common scam tactics.
Anyone who believes they may have been targeted or victimized by a similar scam is urged to report it to local law enforcement.
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