The Camden County Sheriff’s Office has issued an urgent warning to the community regarding a distressing scam targeting the families of recently arrested individuals. This latest scam involves fraudsters posing as bail bondsmen to extort money from unsuspecting families.
Recent Incident Reveals Scam Tactics
A recent incident brought the scam into sharp focus. A local family received a phone call from an individual claiming to be a bail bondsman. The scammer informed the family that their loved one, who had just been arrested, was facing additional serious charges. The family was told that immediate payment was required to cover the upgraded bail.
Panicked by the news, the family transferred several thousand dollars to the scammer. It was only later that they discovered their loved one had already been released on the original minor charges, and the additional charges mentioned by the scammer were entirely fabricated.
Tips for Protecting Yourself
To prevent further incidents, the Camden County Sheriff’s Office has provided several tips to help residents protect themselves:
- Verify Information: Always verify any information directly with the jail or official law enforcement agencies. Do not rely on information provided over the phone by unknown individuals.
- Beware of Urgency: Scammers often create a sense of urgency to pressure you into making quick decisions. Take the time to confirm details before acting.
- Contact Authorities: If you receive a suspicious call, immediately contact the Camden County Sheriff’s Office at (912) 510-5100 to verify the authenticity of the information provided.
- Report Scams: If you believe you have been targeted by a scam, report it to local law enforcement promptly.
Stay Informed and Alert
As scammers continue to evolve their tactics, the best defense is to stay informed and cautious. By verifying information, resisting pressure tactics, and contacting authorities, Camden County residents can protect themselves and their loved ones from falling victim to these malicious schemes.
For more information or to report a scam, please contact the Camden County Sheriff’s Office. Stay vigilant and help spread the word to keep our community safe from fraudsters.
