Scam Alert

SCDPPPS would never call family members of incarcerated individuals to request money for early inmate release. If you receive a scam call, contact local law enforcement and report it to the FTC.

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SCDPPPS Warns of Scammers

Hand holding a cell phone displaying an unknown caller.

The South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services (SCDPPPS) is aware that scammers are preying on families of convicted offenders, pretending to be representatives of our agency.

The scammers are asking for money in exchange for getting an incarcerated loved one released early from prison or in exchange for keeping a loved one from being sent to prison. Families are told the money should be sent through an electronic cash transfer such as Venmo, Zelle, PayPal, MoneyPak, Cash App, cash gift cards, etc.

This is a scam. SCDPPPS would never call to ask for money in exchange for early release or to prevent someone from being incarcerated.

If you are the recipient of such a call, HANG UP IMMEDIATELY, contact local law enforcement and report the scam to the South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs by either calling 1-844-TELL-DCA (835-5322) or clicking REPORT A SCAM at consumer.sc.gov.

This type of scam is called spoofing, a scheme in which scammers pretend to be people we trust. Do not trust caller ID. Scammers may “spoof” a phone number on caller ID so it falsely appears to be from a court or law enforcement agency. Remember: real officers will not call you and demand cash, gift cards or cryptocurrency.

Again, if you are unsure about a caller, hang up. Reach out directly to the agency using a number or email you know belongs to them.

Tips from the South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs (SCDCA) on how to avoid scams:

  • Don’t answer calls or respond to text messages from numbers you don’t know. Block these numbers as they come in.
  • Don’t give personal or financial information in response to a request you didn’t expect. The government and legitimate businesses don’t do this.
  • Don’t fall for high pressure tactics. Anyone who pressures you to make a decision, pay or give over personal info is a scammer.
  • Know the forms of payment scammers like to use (gift cards, cryptocurrency, wire transfer). Avoid methods that are difficult to trace and as good as cash.
  • Slow down. Stop and talk to someone you trust. Tell a friend, family member or neighbor what is going on.

SCDCA has additional scam prevention resources at https://consumer.sc.gov/identity-theftunit/scams.

 

Media Contact:
Scott Hawkins, SCDPPPS Public Information Director
Office: 803-734-9267
Cell: 803-237-9420 

Press Release

 

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