Beaufort County, September 7, 2025
News Summary
The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office has issued a critical warning about a surge in scams impacting the community, particularly among the elderly. Community meetings have been held to educate residents on identifying and reporting scams, which have led to significant financial losses. Common scams include missed jury duty notifications, gift card schemes, romance scams, and cryptocurrency fraud, with a staggering $3.1 million lost to crypto scams in recent times. Residents are urged to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activities.
Beaufort, SC – The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office is issuing a critical warning to residents about an alarming spike in scams targeting the community, especially the elderly. Recent investigations have revealed multiple scams circulating in the county, affecting a significant number of individuals. Statistics show that approximately one in ten adults over the age of 60 have been victims of these deceptive schemes.
Community discussions were held at the Hargray Building in Bluffton, where officials and residents came together to share insights on identifying, preventing, and reporting these scams. Many of the perpetrators are believed to be operating internationally, which complicates law enforcement’s ability to bring them to justice.
Common Scams Reports
Among the prevalent scams reported are:
- Missed Jury Duty Scams: Victims receive calls claiming they have failed to appear for jury duty and must pay a fee to avoid punishment.
- Gift Card Scams: Innocent individuals are tricked into loading money onto gift cards and providing the barcode information to the scammer.
- Romance Scams: Scammers, often utilizing dating platforms, prey on loneliness, luring seniors into fraudulent relationships to extract money.
- Cryptocurrency Scams: These often demand immediate money transfers, particularly targeting vacationers who may not be fully aware of the risks.
In 2024 alone, Beaufort County reported a staggering $3.1 million lost due to cryptocurrency-related scams. Fraudulent actors frequently pressure their victims to use cryptocurrency ATMs, which can come with exorbitant fees.
Understanding the Threat
The sophistication of current scams is on the rise, with scammers employing advanced technology to deceive potential victims. Featured prominently in recent discussions, Lt. Eric Calendine of the Sheriff’s Office stressed the vital importance of scrutinizing any suspicious calls or messages.
To aid in prevention, community members are encouraged to report any suspected scams to local law enforcement, the Federal Trade Commission, or the FBI’s Internet Crimes Complaint Center. Key indicators of potential scams include unsolicited calls or messages requesting personal information and offers that appear too good to be true.
Ways to Protect Yourself
To mitigate the risk of falling victim to scams, residents are advised to:
- Verify claims through trusted channels.
- Avoid high-pressure tactics that demand immediate decision-making.
- Engage family members when in doubt about a solicitation.
In South Carolina, the state ranks seventh in the country for fraud cases, with older residents particularly vulnerable due to the high median age of the population. As a response to this growing issue, law enforcement officials in the state are advocating for new legislation to regulate cryptocurrency ATMs and curb fraudulent activities.
There are ongoing calls for improved tools and new legislative measures to effectively address the rapid evolution of scams. Anyone who believes they have fallen victim to a scam is urged to contact the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-372-8311.
Conclusion
As scams continue to pose a significant threat to residents of Beaufort County, especially the elderly, it is imperative for the community to remain vigilant. By staying informed and taking necessary precautions, residents can protect themselves and help combat the rise of fraudulent activities in their area.
FAQ
What are common scams targeting residents in Beaufort County?
Common scams include missed jury duty notifications, gift card schemes, romance scams, and cryptocurrency fraud.
How prevalent are these scams among the elderly?
Research indicates that one in ten adults over 60 have been affected by scams in Beaufort County.
What should I do if I suspect a scam?
Report the suspicious activity to local law enforcement, the Federal Trade Commission, or the FBI’s Internet Crimes Complaint Center.
What are red flags for identifying scams?
Red flags include unsolicited communication requesting personal information and offers that sound too good to be true.
How can I protect myself from becoming a victim?
It’s important to verify claims, refrain from immediate decisions under pressure, and consult family members if unsure.
Key Features of Scams in Beaufort County
| Type of Scam | Target Audience | Reported Losses (2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Missed Jury Duty | General Public | N/A |
| Gift Card | General Public | N/A |
| Romance | Seniors | N/A |
| Cryptocurrency | Vacationers and Elders | $3.1 million |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
St. Helena Island Community Mourns Loss of Beloved Members
Beaufort County Warns of Rising Cryptocurrency Scams Targeting Seniors
Sheriff’s Office Seeks Public Help to Identify Vehicle Break-In Suspect
Additional Resources
- Live 5 News: Beaufort County Deputies Warn Community of Recent Scams
- WTOC: Beaufort Co. Sheriff’s Office Scam Experts Talk Rise in Elderly Scams
- Island Packet: Beaufort County Scam Reports
- NBC News: South Carolina Seniors Targeted by Crypto Scam
- Wikipedia: Scamming
- Google Search: Scam Prevention
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Fraud
- Google Scholar: Elderly Scams
- Google News: Beaufort County Scams
Author: STAFF HERE BEAUFORT
The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
