MONCKS CORNER, S.C. — The Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents about a phone scam in which callers pose as law enforcement officials and threaten people with arrest over missed jury duty.
Deputies say the scammers are spoofing the sheriff’s office phone number and even using the names of command staff members to make the calls appear legitimate. Victims are told they have a warrant for their arrest and must pay a fine to avoid jail time.
Sheriff Duane Lewis said these calls are fraudulent and stressed that his office will never ask for payment over the phone.
“If you receive one of these calls, hang up immediately,” Lewis said. “No deputy or staff member from our office will ever call you to collect money. If you are concerned about a possible warrant, contact us directly.”
Officials say the Sheriff’s Office will never demand payment through phone calls, gift cards, wire transfers, or allow anyone to “pay off” an arrest warrant.
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Anyone who receives a suspicious call is urged not to provide personal or financial information. Instead, residents should report the incident to the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office at 843-719-4412.
Deputies are encouraging residents to spread the word to friends, family, and neighbors—especially those who may be more vulnerable to scams.
