The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office would like to remind residents to be cautious about providing anyone with their personal information, such as bank account numbers, social security numbers, birthdates or other identifying details.

Many criminals will go to great lengths to develop a scam, which will put the victim at ease, therefore making it more likely that personal information will be obtained.

Recently our office was made aware of such a scam. 

The caller contacted a resident offering a low or no interest credit card, because of the residents’ good credit history.

However, they indicated that in order to process the account, they had to confirm personal information.

Fortunately, this citizen was aware of the likely scam and discontinued the call.

Often times, these criminals will know certain information, such as your name and address, but will be missing a key piece they need to begin committing identity theft and fraud.

A good rule of thumb is to not provide any personal information to anyone or alleged business / organization, unless you are the one who initiated contact with them seeking their product.

Banks, governments, and other organizations should not be contacting you by phone in order to confirm or verify any of your personal information.

Should you receive such a call, you should hang up and notify your local law enforcement authorities.

 

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