May 15, 2025

Charleston Residents Warned About Impersonation Scam

News Summary

The Charleston County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) is alerting residents about a phone scam where individuals impersonate deputies, soliciting money by claiming victims have missed jury duty or have loved ones in jail. The CCSO firmly states that they do not request money over the phone. Victims are advised to exhibit caution, avoid sharing personal information, and report any suspicious calls to the authorities. These scams have increased, making it crucial for the community to stay informed and vigilant.

Charleston, SC – The Charleston County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) is warning residents about an ongoing scam in which individuals are impersonating deputies and soliciting money over the phone. Reports have surfaced of victims receiving calls from individuals claiming to be CCSO deputies, frequently informing them they have missed jury duty or that a loved one is in jail.

The fraudulent callers request financial assistance from their targets to “relieve” the alleged situations. It is important to note that neither the CCSO nor the Sheriff Al Cannon Detention Center will ever make phone calls asking for money from citizens under any circumstances.

In light of these incidents, the CCSO advises the public to remain calm and to be cautious of any unsolicited calls claiming to be from law enforcement. Residents are urged to avoid providing personal information over the phone, as legitimate law enforcement will not request sensitive details in this manner.

Scam callers often adopt various tactics to make their schemes appear credible. They may use real names of deputies, local phone numbers, or create emails that mimic legitimate communications from the CCSO. This can make it even more challenging for victims to discern the authenticity of the callers.

Those who believe they have been targeted by these scam calls are encouraged to report the incidents immediately. They can contact the CCSO directly at 843-202-1700 or utilize the online incident reporting form available on the CCSO website. Furthermore, should residents have concerns involving other law enforcement agencies, they are advised to reach out through the appropriate non-emergency hotline for assistance.

Scams impersonating law enforcement officials are not new, but their frequency has surged in recent years, especially with advancements in technology that allow scammers to spoof numbers and create convincing impersonations. The CCSO urges all residents to remain vigilant and informed about these types of scams to help protect themselves and their community.

It is recommended that citizens familiarize themselves with common characteristics of such scams. A legitimate law enforcement agency will typically communicate through official channels and will provide proper identification if contacting an individual in person or over the phone. Scammers, conversely, often create a sense of urgency or fear to prompt hasty decisions, leading victims to comply without adequate thought.

Staying informed and cautious is vital. Residents should regularly check in with reliable sources for updates on local scams and safety tips. Education and awareness can significantly improve the community’s resilience against such fraudulent schemes aimed at exploiting unsuspecting citizens.

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Author: STAFF HERE CHARLESTON

The CHARLESTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREcharleston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charleston, Charleston County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Spoleto Festival USA, Charleston Wine + Food Festival, and the MOJA Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce and the Charleston Museum, plus leading businesses in tourism and maritime industries that power the local economy such as South Carolina Ports Authority and the Charleston Visitor Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREaiken.com, HEREbeaufort.com, HEREchapin.com, HEREcharleston.com, HEREclinton.com, HEREcolumbia.com, HEREgeorgetown.com, HEREgreenwood.com, HEREgreenville.com, HEREhiltonhead.com, HEREirmo.com, HEREmyrtlebeach.com, HEREnewberry.com, HERErockhill.com, HEREspartanburg.com, HEREaustin.com, HEREcollegestation.com, HEREdallas.com, HEREhouston.com, and HEREsanantonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.