No, a deputy will not call you asking for payment

COLLETON COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD) – It has become a common scam: citizens receiving phone calls from someone pretending to be law enforcement asking for payment.

A call like this should be an immediate red flag.

The Colleton County Sheriff’s Office warned residents this week about these scams, saying their deputies will not call you and request payment for any fees.

Things like missed jury duty or court dates, unpaid traffic tickets, and other fines are not handled over the phone. You will receive an official documentation from a Colleton County Court (or court in the municipality where you reside).

Law enforcement and the government will never ask you to put money on a gift card.

If you receive a call from a “deputy” asking for payment or anything that sounds suspicious, hang up immediately. People should also be aware that scam callers could spoof phone numbers to appear as though they are calling from an agency.

The best option is to end the call and look up the official agency or court’s phone number and inquire before giving out any personal information or sending a payment.

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