Thursday, February 26, 2026

If you think or have been the subject of a Cyber SCAM or Crime - Please read this!

Recently, several of our SCHH neighbors we the subject of attempted cyber crime.  We are currently working with the Beaufort County Sheriff's Office and they have provided the following guidance (below in BOLD).  To begin the reporting process, please call their NON-EMERGENCY number at 843.524.2777.  Also, see below is a draft data sheet with the type of questions they will have, please have this info handy when you speak to them.

"Have the victim of the crime ask to report the incident.  A report with us will document the incident and then go to our investigations and they can investigate the incident.  
    Also they can report the incident to the Federal Trade Commission at IC3.gov and to the Internet Crimes Complaint Center Reportfraud.ftc.gov

Master Sergeant Robert Herlong

Crime Prevention / Public Affairs  

Beaufort County Sheriff's Office

2001 Duke Street, 

P.O. Box 1758

Beaufort, SC 29901

(843) 255-3406


ESSENTIAL DATA ELEMENTS FOR REPORTING A CYBER RELATED INCIDENT

 

WHO IS SUBMITTING THIS REPORT:   (   )  Victim or (   )  Assisting Individual: Name of Assistant:_____________

TODAY’S DATE:  ________________________

VICTIM NAME: ____________________________________

PHONE NUMBER:  ___________________________  (  ) Cell Phone        ( ) Home Phone

EMAIL Address:   ______________________________

Physical Address:  __________________________________________________

Age: (  ) Under 60   (   ) 60 to 70    (  ) 70 and above

Is this a Personal or Business Related Incident? (  )  Personal      (  ) Business

Was any MONEY lost during this incident?  (  ) Yes   (  ) No

If MONEY was lost during this incident, what type of TRANSACTION was involved (choose from the list below)    

Cash  Check  Crypto Currency  Debit Card  Credit Card  Money Order  Cash Xfer (VENMO)  Wire Xfer

AMOUNT:  _______________

TRANSACTION DATE:  _______________________

Have you already contacted your Bank?   Yes    No    BANK NAME/Address: _________________________

                      Please have your BANK INFO readily available (Name, Account number, etc)

WHO was the transfer made TO:  (Name, Address, Account information, etc)  _______________________

ANY OTHER INFORMATION YOU HAVE ABOUT THE SCAMMER/CRIMINAL:

              Name: ________________________      Address:  ______________________   

              Phone: _______________________        Email Address: _________________

Were there any witnesses?   Name: ______________  Phone Number:__________________

ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION THAT WOULD BE HELPFUL FOR THE INDICDENT REPORT:

              How were you initially contacted by the Scammer:  Email?  Phone Call?  Please provide as much detail as possible (time, date, etc). 


Wednesday, February 25, 2026

This new phone scam has 'carriers' calling to exchange your device - don't fall for it!

The next time you receive a new mobile phone through the mail, be wary if someone calls claiming that you were sent the wrong device and that you need to return it. That could be a scammer looking to get their hands on your expensive new gadget.


Click here to read the article.

Tuesday, February 24, 2026

National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) is March 1 – 7, 2026

 NCPW is a time to talk about frauds, scams, and consumer rights. Help spread the word in your community. Join the FTC and partners in conversation about how to avoid, report, and recover from fraud.

Click here to access the FTC.GOV web site.