Warning: there are scammers out there

Scammers whose intent is to deprive you of your money continue to be a problem for Oconee County residents.  The Sheriff’s Office has been hearing about scams that include threats of arrest by telephone callers who pose as agents of the IRS.  Other scammers dial businesses and claim they are representing Duke Energy.  Their tact is to claim that because of an overdue bill, utility service will be cut off.  Others knock on your door and purport to be with a security company affiliated with the Sheriff’s Office.  Their intent is to try to get you pay a monthly fee for what they claim is a free security system.  One Oconeean received a letter saying the recipient had won $1.56 million dollars and all that was required for him to claim the money was to return an acceptance form verifying  name and address and to enclose $20 either in cash, a check or a money order. If you get a call from a scammer, the Sheriff’s Office advises you, hang up and don’t provide any financial or personal information.