Pickens County, SC – Authorities are warning residents after a surge of scam messages falsely claiming recipients owe fines and face arrest if payment is not made immediately.
The Pickens County Sheriff’s Office issued a public alert after multiple individuals reported receiving alarming text messages alleging they had been summoned to municipal court over unpaid traffic tickets. The messages warn of potential arrest or other government actions if payment is not quickly resolved, prompting concern among residents.
According to the Pickens County Sheriff’s Office, the messages are fraudulent and part of an ongoing scam targeting individuals through text communication. Officials emphasized that neither the sheriff’s office nor the court system will attempt to collect fines or fees via phone calls or text messages. Any such communication should be treated as suspicious.
Authorities say the scammers allegedly attempt to create urgency and fear to pressure victims into clicking links or transferring money electronically. In many cases, these operations allegedly originate overseas, making enforcement and prosecution difficult.
Residents are urged to ignore these messages entirely and avoid engaging with the sender. Law enforcement also warns against clicking on any links or providing personal or financial information. Individuals who receive such messages are encouraged to report them to local authorities.
Officials stress that legitimate court-related matters are handled through official mail or in-person procedures, not through unsolicited digital messages demanding immediate payment.
The sheriff’s office continues to monitor reports and reminds the public to remain vigilant as similar scams become increasingly common. Public awareness, officials say, remains one of the most effective tools in preventing fraud.
