News Summary
The Newberry County Sheriff’s Office warns residents of a text message scam impersonating the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles, alerting individuals of fictitious toll fees or fines. This scam has also extended beyond South Carolina, affecting multiple states. Additionally, scams targeting church members and utility customers have emerged, with scammers using gift cards for payment. Residents are advised to remain vigilant and report suspicious communications to local law enforcement to protect themselves from these fraudulent schemes.
Newberry County Residents Targeted by Text Message Scam
The Newberry County Sheriff’s Office (NCSO) has issued a warning to residents about a text message scam that is currently affecting individuals in the Midlands region. This scam involves messages that appear to originate from the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV), misleading recipients into believing they owe a toll fee or are required to pay a fine.
NCSO has emphasized that the SCDMV does not communicate through text messages regarding any fees or fines, noting that residents should remain vigilant and cautious. Reports indicate that this scam has extended beyond South Carolina, affecting individuals in multiple states across the country.
Authorities investigating the issue have revealed that the text messages may be traced back to scammers operating from the Philippines, making it challenging for local law enforcement to track down the perpetrators. As the scam continues to proliferate, it has led to an increasing number of residents receiving these fraudulent messages.
Church Scams Targeting Local Community
In addition to the SCDMV scam, Newberry County residents have also reported scams targeting church members. Scammers impersonate pastors through text messages or emails, claiming that urgent financial assistance is needed for emergencies within the congregation. This type of scam has raised concerns within the community, as scammers exploit trust and relationships built within the church group.
Victims are often requested to provide payment in the form of gift cards, rather than cash or through online transactions. This payment method has become a routine tactic employed by many scammers, creating a sense of urgency that pressures individuals into making hasty decisions about their finances.
Dominion Energy Scam Reported
Furthermore, residents have reported receiving phone calls from individuals posing as representatives of Dominion Energy. These callers claim that the recipient’s utility bills are past due and threaten to shut off service unless immediate payment is made. The impersonators may use personal information to boost the credibility of their claims and further manipulate victims.
As with the other scams, payments are often requested in the form of gift cards. The NCSO has advised customers to verify their accounts directly with Dominion Energy through official channels before taking any action on suspect calls. This recommendation is crucial as it can prevent residents from falling prey to these deceptive schemes.
Protecting Yourself from Scams
Residents are urged to remain cautious and to avoid responding to suspicious messages or phone calls. If individuals receive unsolicited texts, emails, or phone calls requesting payment or personal information, they should report these incidents to law enforcement immediately. Awareness and education are key defenses against these types of scams, and sharing information with friends and community members can help protect others from becoming victims.
The increasing prevalence of scams highlights the necessity for individuals to remain vigilant regarding unsolicited communications. Keeping one’s personal information secure and questioning any requests for payment can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to these fraudsters.
As the community navigates these challenges, ongoing communication and caution can help mitigate the risks posed by scammers targeting vulnerable residents in Newberry County and beyond.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Newberry County Residents Targeted by Scammers
Greenville Residents and Businesses Targeted by Phone Scams
Additional Resources
- ABC Columbia: Newberry County Sheriff’s Office Issues Warning About SCDMV Scam
- WLTX: Newberry County Sheriff Warns Scam – Fake Dominion Energy Call
- ABC Columbia: Scammers Target Newberry County Church Members
- Local 21 News: Newberry Township PD Looking for Persons of Interest in Rutters Card Skimmer Scam
- WYFF: South Carolina Paving Scam Warning
- Wikipedia: Scam
Author: STAFF HERE NEWBERRY
The NEWBERRY STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewberry.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Newberry, Newberry County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Newberry Opera House performances, Newberry Arts Fest, and the Newberry County Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Newberry County Chamber of Commerce and the Newberry Museum, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and agriculture that power the local economy such as Amick Farms and Newberry Mills. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
