Officials warn public of phone scams in Saluda, Orangeburg counties

SALUDA, S.C. (WRDW/WAGT) - Officials are warning the public of a couple of phone scams that have been spreading across South Carolina.

The Saluda County Sheriff’s Office says they’ve been alerted that unknown callers are calling citizens and stating that they did not show up for jury duty and they have a bench warrant out for their arrest.

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The callers are then attempting to solicit money. This information is not true and DO NOT provide any information or money to these callers, authorities say.

According to the sheriff’s office, these incidents are currently under investigation.

Over in Orangeburg County, Sheriff Leroy Ravenell announced that a new phone scam is moving into the area.

“This scam comes to you in a text stating that you have unpaid toll fees,” the sheriff said. “I’ve received it and several others have also gotten a similar text.”

Ravenell said the EZ scam texts share a link that could result in the potential victim losing their identity if used.

The scam texts tell the recipient they can avoid late fees or pay their toll bill by using the link, he says.

These texts have come using the names FastTrak Lane and also EzDriveMa (Massachusetts), both legitimate EZ sites.

Neither of which pay services use text messages.

Also, the country code given in the scam texts is 63 - the country code for the Philippines, he says.

“If you get a text message similar to this, please do not click on it,” Ravenell said. “Just delete it or you lose your financial information or identity!”

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Just last week, Ravenell warned residents of a new crime in which scammers pretend to be within the Orangeburg County Sheriff’s Office.

“This one doesn’t even pretend to be a missed jury duty scam,” the sheriff said. “This time they’re just being outright mean saying pay up or else!”

Ravenell said that an Orangeburg County resident reported receiving a call from a “Capt. Johnson,” said to be with the sheriff’s office.

The South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs warned residents about the text scam.

The Southern Connector Toll Road posted a statement on its website that states they will never s via SMS/text messaging.

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Across the river, the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office issued a warning to the public regarding a phone scam targeting the Augusta community.

The sheriff’s office says scammers are using tactics, including spoofing phone numbers to appear as if they are calling from the sheriff’s office, court services and other services.

The current scam involves callers impersonating sheriff’s office employees, demanding payment for services such as release from detention, electronic monitoring or other fees, according to deputies.

If anyone receives such a call, they are urged to the Saluda County Sheriff’s Office at 864-445-2112 or the Orangeburg County Communications Center at 803-534-3550.