Watch Out, Florence County! New Scams on the Loose

News Summary

Florence County residents are being warned about new scams circulating in the area, including fraudulent texts from fake toll road authorities and misleading emails claiming to have arrest warrants. Local law enforcement advises residents to ignore these scams and report any threats. The community is urged to stay vigilant and safeguard their personal information against these deceptive tactics.

Watch Out, Florence County! New Scams on the Loose

Hey there, Florence residents! It’s time to have a chat about something that’s been causing quite a stir in our community lately—scams! That’s right, it seems there are some not-so-friendly characters trying to pull the wool over our eyes, and they’re using sneaky tactics to do so.

What’s This Scam Text All About?

First up, we have a scam text making the rounds in the Pee Dee area. Picture this: you receive a message claiming to be from the “Southern Connector Toll Road.” Sounds legit, right? Well, hold on to your wallets because the message is asking you to pay up for an unpaid parking invoice to avoid a late fee. The catch? It includes a link for you to access your file—and that’s where the trouble begins.

Residents are being warned not to click on this link or make any money transfers. Think of it like a digital version of stepping on a rusty nail—best to avoid it altogether! If you happen to find yourself in this situation, local law enforcement is encouraging you to reach out to them to report the scam. Keep in mind, though, recovering any lost funds might prove to be a challenging task.

Timmonsville Police Step In

The Timmonsville Police Department has chimed in as well, letting folks know that these pesky messages are widespread in the area. Their advice? Ignore and block the number as soon as possible. Better safe than sorry, right?

A New Twist: Fake Arrest Warrant Emails

fake arrest warrants being sent via email. Yes, you read that right! Scammers are conjuring up emails that look oh-so-official, aiming to scare recipients into demanding payment to avoid arrest for alleged offenses like failing to appear for jury duty. Talk about a plot twist!

What’s even more alarming? These emails come with chilling warnings not to discuss the warrant with anyone—even law enforcement. The scam artists are trying to isolate you into making hasty decisions. They often present methods for payment through mobile apps, asking for your debit card info or Apple Pay—seriously shady practices!

Seize Your Safety: What to Do

Now, here’s what you need to remember: Legitimate law enforcement will never demand payment to keep you out of handcuffs. If you receive one of these emails, your best bet is to simply delete it and move on. Engaging with these scammers could lead to more trouble than you bargained for.

Keep Your Guard Up!

True error messages from the tech giant never come with phone numbers or ask for payments via gift cards or cryptocurrency. So, if you spot anything fishy, just trust your instincts and steer clear!

Final Words for the Wise

Florence County residents, let’s band together and stay vigilant! Keep your eyes peeled for unfamiliar messages and stay cautious when anyone asks for sensitive information. Defending our hard-earned money and peace of mind is absolutely worth it!

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Florence Man Sentenced to 18 Months for Insurance Fraud Targeting Elderly Drivers
Florence Man Sentenced to Eighteen Months for Exploiting Elderly Drivers in Insurance Scam
Businessman Murdered in Home Invasion by Fake Utility Workers in Rochester Hills, Michigan

Additional Resources

• WMBF News: Pee Dee Agencies Warning Scam Texts
• WPDE: Florence Co. Authorities Warn of New Arrest Warrant Scam
• NJ101.5: NJ Woman Duped Out of $30K
• Live 5 News: Postal Service Scam Alert
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Scams