Aiken County, SC – Residents across Aiken County and the Central Savannah River Area are being warned about a phone scam circulating this week that targets families with urgent and alarming claims.
According to the Aiken County Sheriff’s Office, scammers are posing as law enforcement officers, court officials, or jail staff in an attempt to collect so-called “bond money” or other fees. Victims are often told a family member has been arrested and must pay immediately to avoid further legal trouble.
Authorities say the callers may use real names of active officers or manipulate caller ID systems to make it appear the call is coming from an official number. In some cases, scammers allegedly pressure victims to act quickly, discouraging them from verifying the information or contacting relatives.
The sheriff’s office emphasized that legitimate law enforcement agencies will never request payment over the phone in any form, including cash, gift cards, wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or payment apps. Officials also stated they will not threaten arrest for refusing to comply with such demands or instruct individuals to keep calls secret.
Residents in Aiken County, near Augusta, GA, are encouraged to hang up immediately if they receive a suspicious call. Officials advise verifying any claims directly by contacting the sheriff’s office or detention center using official phone numbers.
Anyone who believes they have been targeted or victimized should report the incident to local law enforcement.
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