Scam Alert: Pastor-in-Jail & Jury Duty

Sheriff Hammonds would like to make the public aware of several scams that are currently affecting Beaufort County residents. The Beaufort County Sheriff's Office received a report of a scam where a person claiming to be a lawyer told a resident her local church pastor was involved in a crash that injured a pregnant woman and was in jail. The suspect requested $4,500 in cash to get the pastor out of jail and cover the woman's medical expenses. The suspect requested the victim keep the matter private and not to tell anyone. The suspect told the resident to put the money in a gift basket and place it on her porch for a courier to pick up. The package was picked up by a subject driving a black dodge charger, who likely did not know they were involved in a scam.

Another resident reported receiving a call from a person representing themselves as a Beaufort County Sheriff's Deputy informing them they missed jury duty. No one in the Criminal Justice System will request money over the phone. If you receive such a call, please call your local law enforcement agency and allow us to verify the legitimacy of the information. Don't become a scammers next victim.