Scam Alert

Across the United States, scammers are taking advantage of fears surrounding COVID-19. From phone calls offering a vaccine for the virus to text messages alleging in-home testing, these scammers will stop at nothing and prey especially on the elderly. The Laurens County Sheriff's Office reminds you to be vigilant and cautious. If you have any concerns about the validity of phone calls, emails or text messages you receive, please contact us. The Federal Trade Commission offers these tips on how to avoid these scams:

-Hang up on robocalls. Don’t press any numbers. Report robocalls at ftc.gov/complaint.

-Ignore online offers for vaccinations and home test kits. At this time, there are no FDA-authorized home test kits for the Coronavirus.

-Fact-check information. Before you pass on any messages, contact trusted sources.

-Ignore offers from callers claiming to assist you in receiving stimulus money sooner. Do not provide your personal information.

For the most up-to-date information about the Coronavirus, visit the CDC's website: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus