On Thursday, the Myrtle Beach Police Department issued a scam alert concerning impersonators calling for delinquent payments for legal issues or outstanding warrants.
Scam Alert: Protect Yourself from Impersonators
The Scam Alert, posted on Facebook, reads:
The Myrtle Beach Police Department will never call you to demand payment for any reason.
We’ve received reports of scammers impersonating current, former, or retired MBPD personnel—claiming you owe money for legal issues or outstanding warrants. These calls are a scam.
If you receive a suspicious call like this, do not send money or share personal information. Instead, report it right away by calling our non-emergency line at 843-918-1382 or contact your local law enforcement agency.
Public safety is a team effort, and we appreciate your help in protecting our community from scams. Stay alert and spread the word!
Scam Alert: Scammers are pretending to be local police departments, often claiming to be conducting investigations or threatening arrest to coerce people into giving them money or personal information. They use tactics like caller ID spoofing and fake credentials to seem believable and scare their victims.
Scammers use different tactics, but typically they pose as law enforcement officials. They deceive the target by claiming that a warrant has been issued due to missed court appearances, failure to report for jury duty, unpaid fines, or similar reasons, threatening immediate arrest unless payment is made promptly.
Scammers frequently pretend to be real deputies or police officers when calling, sometimes altering their phone number to appear as if they are contacting from a nearby law enforcement department. This manipulation of the caller ID is referred to as “spoofing.” Federal officials have issued a scam alert that scammers might send victims forged law enforcement credentials via email to establish credibility.
Callers use intimidation tactics to coerce victims into making payments and threaten them with arrest if they refuse to comply. They might request payment in various forms, including cash, credit cards, gift cards, payment apps, or cryptocurrency. It’s important to note that authentic law enforcement agencies in Virginia or the surrounding area will never contact individuals by phone to ask for money.
“The best way for someone to protect themselves from these scams is simply to hang up,” says Sheriff Sean Casey of Alexandria Virginia. “Don’t let your guard down and don’t be intimidated into providing personal details or financial information. Real deputies are not going to call you and threaten you with arrest, so just hang up if you get a call like that.”
Local News Via - MyrtleBeachSC.com
