Scam artists finding new ways to take money from Lowcountry residents

BEAUFORT COUNTY, SC (WSAV) – From Chatham County to Colleton County; Savannah to Hilton Head; people are getting scammed seemingly every day.

The latest, 3 different criminal schemes in Beaufort County involving the internet, the Sheriff’s Office and even Spectrum and Netflix.

“So, the victim got the email from Netflix saying their account was compromised,” explains Lt Eric Calendine of the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office. “Information started being changed and then from there it went to PayPal and then to Bank of America account. So, we went not only from just a PayPal streaming service to now, but they also actually had access to their bank accounts where they were switching the address for the bank account and actually obtaining additional credit cards on that person’s account.”

That’s how Lt. Eric Calendine of the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office says one Beaufort County man lost several hundred dollars to a phone scam.

But it could be worse. Another person got a call about an iPad they “bought”. When the victim said no, they didn’t purchase it, the criminals took it to the next level.

“And then it said your accounts have been compromised. So, we need you to go take money out of your bank, America, and then take it to a Bitcoin machine for safekeeping. Bitcoin for safekeeping? Yes. $19,000 for safekeeping.”

He took that $19,000 to a nearby Bitcoin machine inside a Hilton Head Island gas station and deposited it, never to be seen again.

“They convinced them that not only is your Apple account been compromised, but that it’s linked to the Bank of America account, which now has been compromised. And the only way they could further investigate it is to obtain that money for safekeeping,” explains Calendine.

Calendine says cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and cash apps are the newest spots scammers are looking to take advantage of.

“We’re seeing them and targeting our younger generation now with especially the cash apps because you Venmo you know, Zelle, that quick $200 if you want, make $20 quickly give me your Venmo, which I have access to your bank account,” said Calendine.

Another person got a call with a promise to lower their cable and internet bill.

“This person gets a call saying, Hey, we can lower your spectrum Bill monthly, all you had to do is go get gift cards in from Target in amounts of $400 to different gift cards and send us those numbers,” details Calendine. “We’re going to lower your rate by $100 a month. Unfortunately, a victim fellow fell for this scam. Obtain the gift cards, provide the numbers to those gift cards that are to the scammers. Money was drawn right away, and next thing you know, their accounts have not been lowered. They’re still paying the monthly amount and now they’re out $400 because of that scam.”

The tried-and-true phone scam still works as well.

The calls threatening prison time for missed tickets come regularly to investigators. They use real names of real deputies to try and draw the victim in -then ask for gift cards to pay your debt before the deputies come to arrest you.

That became obvious to the Lieutenant when they used Calendine’s name in a scam. He was able to get the callback number and there was a voicemail with his name on it, but not his voice.

“This is Eric Calendine.. I can’t come to the phone right now.”

“It’s a new trend. I guess I’m popular enough now. They’re using my name,” Calendine laughs.

So, what can you do to protect yourself? One goal, to switch up your passwords regularly.

“I would never have the same password for all your accounts and especially streaming services to your bank account. That’s just opening yourself up for further scammers.”

Calendine says the best way to stay safe is just use common sense.

“I love the kind of Department of Consumer Affairs. They always say, “ditch the pitch”. That’s their big motto these days for their big campaign against scams is ditch the pitch. Hang up on them. Don’t believe everything that you see in writing or the phone call.”

Any Sheriff’s or Police Department will “never” call and ask for money over the phone.

If someone asks for gift cards as a way of payment, that’s a red flag as well.

If you have any questions, take your time, call a friend to see what they think or call the company that is making the “deal” or Sheriff’s directly.