Phone Scam Targets Kershaw County Residents

News Summary

The Better Business Bureau warns of a phone scam in Kershaw County, where a 66-year-old woman almost lost $2,500. The scammer posed as a federal prosecutor’s office employee, coercing her with threats of arrest. This incident highlights a growing trend of scams targeting vulnerable individuals, particularly seniors. The BBB stresses the importance of verification and awareness to combat such fraudulent practices.

Kershaw County, South Carolina – Phone Scam Targets Local Residents

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is alerting South Carolinians to a concerning phone scam that recently targeted a 66-year-old Kershaw County woman, nearly costing her $2,500. This incident highlights the ongoing issue of fraud schemes that exploit vulnerable individuals, particularly the elderly.

Faye Servoss received a call from an unknown number with an Iowa area code, during which the scammer impersonated a federal prosecutor’s office employee. The caller falsely claimed that there was a warrant out for Servoss’s arrest due to her alleged failure to appear in court concerning a federal citation. The citation was supposedly linked to an address where she resided nearly 30 years ago in Iowa.

The fraudster informed Servoss that the citation amounted to $2,500. Given that Servoss relies on Social Security, she expressed concern about her ability to pay such a sum. Under the pressure of threats, the scammer told her that failure to pay immediately would result in her being reported to South Carolina authorities for arrest.

In an attempt to further intimidate her, the caller mentioned the name of an Iowa judge, claiming that this judge could authorize a reduction in the citation amount. However, Servoss discovered through her daughter that the judge had retired over a year prior, raising red flags about the legitimacy of the call. When Servoss indicated she might consult an attorney to verify the details of the call, the scammer abruptly terminated the conversation.

Widespread Issue of Phone Scams

According to Chris Hadley, the President of BBB’s Central South Carolina region, impersonation of government agencies accounts for 99% of phone scams. These deceptive tactics are designed to incite fear and pressure targets into providing money or personal information. Recent data indicates a surge in these types of scams in South Carolina, with the BBB receiving over 500 reports from November 2024 to January 2025 alone.

Staying Informed and Protected

As these fraudulent schemes continue to proliferate, the BBB encourages individuals to verify suspicious claims independently. A simple Google search or a quick contact with the BBB can help clarify potential scams. The organization continues to promote its scam tracker tool, which allows users to report incidents and remain informed about local scam activity.

Faye Servoss has urged others, especially older family members, to remain vigilant against potential scams. The emotional strain and distress caused by such fraudulent calls can be detrimental, particularly for senior citizens who may be more susceptible.

In this current climate, with fraudsters utilizing increasingly sophisticated strategies, awareness and education about these scams are crucial for prevention. Individuals are advised to share warnings and maintain open lines of communication with older relatives, ensuring they know how to recognize and respond to suspicious calls.

Conclusion

The recent scam targeting a Kershaw County woman serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance against phone fraud. As scammers evolve their tactics, potential victims must stay informed and skeptical of unexpected calls demanding payment or personal information.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

• WIS TV: BBB Warns of Phone Scam
• ABC Columbia: Credit Card Skimming
• MSN: Passenger Dies in Kershaw County Crash
• WCNC: Fake Tax Collectors Target Lancaster Residents
• WACH: Former DMV Clerk Charged in $10K Scam
• Wikipedia: Fraud
• Google Search: Phone Scams
• Google Scholar: Phone Scams
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Fraud
• Google News: Phone Scams