BBB Warns Public About “Highly Convincing” Phone Scam
The BBB Serving Central SC and Charleston is warning the public about a frightening and highly convincing phone scam that is part of a growing trend.
The scam begins with a call from individuals impersonating law enforcement—using names like “Sgt. Wilson” and “Lieutenant Jonathan Hamilton.” These scammers claim the recipient has missed a federal grand jury summons and now faces two felony arrest warrants. The caller provides personal information, such as the victim’s home address, to build credibility and pressure the target into complying.
The scammers allege that to avoid immediate jail time, the victim must post a bond, often thousands of dollars, by meeting a supposed “federal bondsman” at a local business. In one reported case, the payment location was a gas station off a major highway frontage road, where the victim was instructed to bring $15,225 in bail money.
Key red flags include:
- A “gag order” preventing the victim from speaking to anyone else about the case.
- Scare tactics, such as threats of immediate arrest and jail time
- Fake documents, including a falsified arrest warrant from the “United States District Court.”
- Unusual payment methods and locations, such as meeting in a gas station parking lot.
BBB urges the public to remember:
- No legitimate law enforcement agency will demand money over the phone or in person to avoid arrest.
- Court documents will never be sent via text or require payment at non-government locations.
- Scammers rely on urgency and fear to manipulate victims—pause, verify, and never give in to threats.
If you receive such a call:
- Hang up immediately.
- Contact your local law enforcement or court system to verify any claims.
- Report the scam to the BBB Scam Tracker and local authorities.
The BBB Serving Central SC and Charleston is warning the public about a frightening and highly convincing phone scam that is part of a growing trend.
The scam begins with a call from individuals impersonating law enforcement—using names like “Sgt. Wilson” and “Lieutenant Jonathan Hamilton.” These scammers claim the recipient has missed a federal grand jury summons and now faces two felony arrest warrants. The caller provides personal information, such as the victim’s home address, to build credibility and pressure the target into complying.
The scammers allege that to avoid immediate jail time, the victim must post a bond, often thousands of dollars, by meeting a supposed “federal bondsman” at a local business. In one reported case, the payment location was a gas station off a major highway frontage road, where the victim was instructed to bring $15,225 in bail money.
Key red flags include:
- A “gag order” preventing the victim from speaking to anyone else about the case.
- Scare tactics, such as threats of immediate arrest and jail time
- Fake documents, including a falsified arrest warrant from the “United States District Court.”
- Unusual payment methods and locations, such as meeting in a gas station parking lot.
BBB urges the public to remember:
- No legitimate law enforcement agency will demand money over the phone or in person to avoid arrest.
- Court documents will never be sent via text or require payment at non-government locations.
- Scammers rely on urgency and fear to manipulate victims—pause, verify, and never give in to threats.
If you receive such a call:
- Hang up immediately.
- Contact your local law enforcement or court system to verify any claims.
- Report the scam to the BBB Scam Tracker and local authorities.
