BCSO Issues Scam Alert: Beware of Online Scams!

The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) has posted a scam alert on social media to warn community members about online scams including email scams, romance scams, and shopping scams.

In the posting, BCSO detailed the tactics of these scams:

Scammers are sending threatening emails demanding Bitcoin, claiming to have access to personal info, and threatening to expose it if a ransom isn't paid, sometimes including a photo of your residence to scare you.

Scammers often steal identities, create fake profiles on dating apps and social media, build romantic relationships, then ask for money or goods, or send money “by mistake” and ask you to return it.

The Better Business Bureau reports online purchase scams as very risky, with scammers listing fake items for sale or creating fake ad links on social media.

BCSO’s scam alert on online scams/Instagram