HARTSVILLE, SC (WBTW) – Police in Darlington County are reporting numerous phone scams circulating throughout the county and are warning neighbors not to release credit card or personal information.
The Hartsville Police Department reported Thursday that a community member was the victim of an overpayment scam. In this situation, the con artist sends a check that is valued for more than the victim is asking for a Craigslist item.
Police say the scammer sends a bad check, then wants the victim to cash the check and send the extra payment either back to them, or give it to a “handler” who will pick up the item. The victim in this scheme is out their Craigslist item, the value of the item and any fees incurred from the bank for covering the bad check.
The Hartsville Police Department lobby is available for anyone wanting to meet to sell or buy goods from Craigslist. Officers say the lobby is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday for people to use.
The Darlington County Sheriff’s Office gives a list of scams that have been recently reported to deputies. Sheriff Wayne Byrd says the office has received numerous calls from potential victims claiming they have been contacted by scammers claiming to be with:
- Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
- Duke Power Company
- Jail or detention facility
- Court administrator over jury duty assignments
“We never call people by phone to conduct such transactions; neither does the IRS, Duke Power Company, Jail/Detention Facility or Jury Duty,” states Sheriff Byrd.
If you feel you’ve been a victim of any of these scams, please call the Darlington County Sheriff’s Office at 843-398-4501 or 843-398-4920, or contact your local law enforcement agency.
