The Charleston Police Department is investigating five recent cases in which scammers targeted elderly residents, resulting in losses ranging from $7,000 to $10,000. The victims, aged 61 to 85, were contacted by phone and manipulated into sending money. Three were even directed to local Bitcoin ATMs while the scammer stayed on the line to guide large transfers.
These criminals rely on trust and fear and often prey upon the most vulnerable members of our society. Criminals pressure victims into acting quickly before they have time to think or confirm the story.
Common scam tactics include:
- Creating a false emergency or sense of urgency to provoke panic, such as:
- Claiming a loved one is in jail and needs bail.
- Stating there is a warrant for your arrest that can be cleared by paying a fine.
- Alleging your identity, bank account, or devices have been compromised.
- Informing you that you have won a lottery but must pay to collect.
- Keeping you on the phone until the transaction is complete, often threatening arrest or calling back relentlessly if you hang up.
- Requesting payment in unusual forms, such as gift cards or cryptocurrency. No legitimate organization will ever demand these methods.
- Using personal details such as your name, address, or relatives’ names to seem credible.
- Sounding professional or using technical terms. Some even spoof caller ID to appear as a legitimate agency or business.
How to protect yourself:
If you receive a suspicious call, hang up immediately and never provide personal or financial information over the phone. If you feel suspicious at all, contact a trusted family member or your local police department to verify the claim.
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Media Release
Release Date: August 13, 2025
Media Contact: Sgt. C. Stinson