BERKELEY COUNTY, S.C. — The Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents about a growing scam targeting families of recently arrested individuals, saying criminals are using fear and urgency to convince victims to send money for fake bond payments.
According to the sheriff’s office, investigators have seen an overwhelming increase in reports involving scammers who contact family members shortly after a loved one has been arrested — sometimes before the person has even appeared before a judge for a bond hearing.
📰SUBSCRIBE: Get the latest Berkeley County, SC news delivered to your inbox.
The callers falsely identify themselves as law enforcement officers or court officials and claim the arrested individual can be released immediately on a personal recognizance bond or receive a reduced bond if payment is made right away.
Victims are instructed to send money using gift cards or electronic payment platforms such as Zelle, Cash App, Venmo, Apple Pay or other money transfer services.
Authorities say those demands are a clear indication of fraud.
Sheriff’s Office: Law enforcement will never demand electronic payment
The Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office stressed that legitimate law enforcement agencies and court officials will never call and request bond payments through gift cards, cryptocurrency or peer-to-peer payment apps.
Instead, if someone is being held at the Berkeley County Hill-Finklea Detention Center, bond payments generally must be made in person through the proper legal process.
Officials are encouraging anyone who receives one of these calls to avoid sending money, even if the caller appears convincing or claims the situation is urgent.
How to verify bond information
Residents who need information about a loved one’s bond are encouraged to contact the appropriate agency directly using publicly listed phone numbers instead of relying on information provided by an unsolicited caller.
The sheriff’s office recommends:
- Calling the Berkeley County Clerk of Court at (843) 719-4400 for information regarding eligible traffic citations and payments.
- Contacting Berkeley County Bond Court at (843) 719-4593 for official bond amounts and procedures.
- Calling the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office Duty Office at (843) 719-4412 if there is any doubt about whether a phone call is legitimate.
Scammers rely on panic and urgency
Authorities say these scams are designed to catch families during stressful situations when emotions are running high and people may feel pressured to act without verifying the information.
The sheriff’s office is urging residents to pause before sending money and independently verify any claim involving an arrest or bond.
Officials also encourage the public to share the warning with family members, friends and neighbors, noting that a simple phone call to verify the information could prevent someone from losing thousands of dollars.
