News Summary
Residents in Spartanburg County are being urged to be vigilant against a jury duty scam involving someone posing as law enforcement officers demanding money for missed jury summons. The Sheriff’s Office emphasizes that they will never ask for payment over the phone. It’s important for residents to recognize the signs of such scams and protect their personal information.
Spartanburg County Sheriff Sounds Alarm on Jury Duty Scam
Folks in Spartanburg County need to be on high alert as the local Sheriff’s Office has issued a warning about a sneaky scam that’s been making its rounds. This scam is not just your run-of-the-mill hustle; it involves a con artist impersonating the Public Information Officer and a deputy. That’s right, a shady character is making phone calls, claiming that residents have missed their jury duty and might even face arrest. Sounds alarming, doesn’t it? Well, it’s definitely something to watch out for!
Who’s Behind the Calls?
So, what’s the deal? The impersonator has been calling people, throwing around the names of Lt. Kevin Bobo and Sgt. August Bobo, both of whom are actually officials in the Sheriff’s Office. But here’s the kicker: neither of them has ever made any such calls regarding missed jury duty. The Sheriff’s Office is crystal clear on this: they will never phone residents asking for cash related to jury duty summons.
The Scam Phone Number
If you happen to receive a call from the number 864-535-6804, be cautious! That number is linked to the suspected scammer and is believed to be a “burner phone.” Scammers often turn to these temporary devices to avoid detection. While it’s good news that, so far, no residents have fallen victim to this particular scheme, the Sheriff’s Office is urging everyone to stay vigilant.
A Growing Problem
What’s even more concerning is the alarming rise in missed jury duty scams in our community since May 22, 2024. According to reports, the total losses from these scams have climbed to a staggering $1.4 million since the beginning of the year. That’s a lot of hard-earned cash gone down the drain!
Real Victims, Real Losses
Sadly, the consequences of these scams have already hit some individuals hard. One victim lost an eye-watering $30,200, while another fell for the scam and lost $7,200. It’s clear these fraudsters are getting bolder and are willing to trick unsuspecting individuals into handing over their money.
How the Scam Works
The scammers often identify themselves as law enforcement officers, providing fake names, badge numbers, and case numbers to lend an air of legitimacy to their calls. They instruct victims to send money through Bitcoin kiosks with the false promise that their funds would be returned if they simply reach out to the Sheriff’s Office. Let’s clear this up right now: the Sheriff’s Office will never ask for money over the phone, nor will they direct residents to cryptocurrency ATMs for any reason.
Why It’s So Dangerous
The crafty nature of these scams often makes them difficult to catch, and many originate from overseas, which complicates matters even more. Unfortunately, recovering any lost funds from these scams is usually highly unlikely. Elderly residents are frequently the targets, with scammers often using easily accessible public information. It’s a harsh reality that these criminals prey on those who might be more vulnerable.
Know Your Right
For context, the North Carolina statute outlines a mere $50 penalty for failing to respond to a jury summons, which is a far cry from the hefty fines these scammers claim. To safeguard against these kinds of scams, residents are encouraged to keep their personal and banking information close to their chest and not to share anything with unknown callers.
Stay Safe, Spartanburg
While it’s disheartening to see these scams infiltrate our community, remaining informed and cautious is key. Keep an eye out for suspicious calls, and remember that the Sheriff’s Office is here to help, not to scare you into handing over your money. Stay savvy, Spartanburg County!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Greenville Residents and Businesses Targeted by Phone Scams
Additional Resources
- Fox Carolina: Jury Duty Scam Warning
- WLOS: Jury Duty Scam Updates
- WSPA: Jury Duty Scam Losses
- Wikipedia: Scam
- Post and Courier: Spartanburg Phone Scam
Author: STAFF HERE SPARTANBURG
The SPARTANBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESpartanburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Spartanburg, Spartanburg 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 Spartanburg International Festival, Spartanburg ArtWalk, and motorsport events at Spartanburg Speedway. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Spartanburg Area Chamber of Commerce and the Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System Foundation, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and textiles that power the local economy such as BMW Manufacturing and Milliken & Company. 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.
