NEWBERRY — Although holidays are known as a time for giving, thefts and scams are also shown to rise over the course of the holidays, with money and valuables being targeted.
“Financial stresses is a cause, but a great deal of the issue is the need to supply a drug/alcohol habit and the want to provide for the family,” Sheriff Lee Foster said.
Foster said the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office is receiving more calls with concerns to scammers, but that doesn’t mean that thefts aren’t happening.
“Currently we have more calls for concerns of scams. They are more widespread due to the number of devices the scammers target. However personal thefts are accomplished more. Scam calls increase over the holidays because of the good will in people’s hearts and also the need for more money, which hooks people into the ‘get rich quick’ schemes,” he said.
Senior citizens are also a target for scams, but younger individuals are not invincible to scams either.
“The fake charity is targeted to the senior. Higher ‘get rich quick’ scams are targeted toward the younger. Thefts are generally crimes of opportunity. Items left in unlocked cars or that are visible prey,” Foster said.
He added that in order to help seniors avoid becoming victims of scams, the NCSO provides updates and seminars throughout the year and also answering individual questions. He said that if anyone is in doubt, call the Sheriff’s Office immediately at 803-321-2222.
It is also encouraged to be aware of online scams and make sure that any purchases are made through secure and reputable sites.
“Only go to safe websites that are trusted and are reputable. Avoid clicking on links sent in a random email. Insure that credit card data is not saved on the computer, but entered each time when used to purchase online data. Do not give out any more personal information than what is needed to complete the purchase,” Foster said.
Foster also wants the public to be aware of packages left on doorsteps of homes, suggesting that if a homeowner isn’t going to be home when the package arrives, to ask a trusted neighbor to hold it.
“This is a logistics issue. It is preferable to be at home when the packages are delivered. Have a trusted neighbor come get the packages for you when delivered. If it is delivered through the Post Office ask if you can pick the package up at the Post Office if you will not be at home. You can also ask for the packages to be delivered to your work site if it is permissible by your employer. Invest in a camera system to identify any suspicious people looking at packages. Trail cameras are an inexpensive yet innovative way of providing surveillance,” he said.
He suggested that if one can afford it, to look into purchasing an alarm.
“Check with your insurance company and see if there are any insurance rebates through your company. The money saved may be enough to pay for the monitoring service. Make sure the home has that lived in look and have lights on timers. These are very inexpensive safety and security devices,” he said.
For anyone who needs to report a scam or theft, call 803-321-2222.