The Anderson Observer

Anderson County Sheriff's Department is warning residents in Anderson about the dangers of potential phone scams, after investigators said county residents lost more than $17,000 to scammers in April.

Anderson County Sheriff's Lt. Sheila Cole detailed the incidents Wednesday:

A Pelzer couple lost $1,275 to an out-of-state individual by providing him with their bank account password, in exchange for a chance to make some easy money.
A Belton woman sent $500 to a scammer in Nigeria who claimed to be a US soldier stationed in Iraq that needed money for an air flight back to the United States.
Another local woman sent an engagement ring valued at $6,700 to a buyer in Australia that she found on the website LetGo.com, only to find out that the Pay-Pal receipt she received was not legitimate.
An Easley man lost $8,964 to an individual who claimed to be with the Internal Revenue Service. The scammer told the victim that he owed back taxes and would be arrested if the amount was not paid. In the Easley incident, the scammer even called the victim later that day from a number that showed up on caller ID as being from the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office. The scammer told the victim he had a warrant “in hand” and was ready to serve it if the victim was unable to pay.

Cole said the scam artists are using equipment to spoof caller ID and display fake phone listings.

“This practice of caller ID spoofing is not new but it can be intimidating, especially if the number that shows up on your phone indicates the call is coming from a law enforcement office,” Cole said.

Sheriff John Skipper said his office would not be calling to serve a warrant for the IRS.

“The Anderson County Sheriff’s Office does not work for the IRS and we do not serve warrants on their behalf,” Skipper said “If you receive one of these fraudulent calls, simply hang up. Don’t lose your hard earned money to these thieves. They are out to steal from you rather than doing an honest day’s work.”

Skipper also advised people to never give out personal or bank account information to anyone over the phone and to “only deal with reputable, established merchants.”

“One final note,” Skipper added, “if an individual asks you to send them money by a money gram, iTunes gift card or any other money-type card, be aware that this could be a scam.”

If you lose money as the result of a scam, deputies said to contact your local law enforcement agency and also go to www.treasury.gov to make an official federal report.