Sheriff: Beware of impersonation scams

The Burke County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents about a scam in which people are impersonating law firms, businesses, real estate agents, and other professional organizations to steal money.

In several reported cases, people have received phone calls, emails, or text messages from someone claiming to represent a law firm, real estate agent, or company they are already doing business with. The scammer then asks the victim to send payment in a different form or to a different account, address, or payment method than previously discussed.

The sheriff’s office said anyone who receives a request to change how or where a payment is sent should not send money until the request has been independently verified.

Residents should contact their attorney, agent, or company directly using a phone number they already have on file, or one obtained from a trusted source. They should not use a phone number, email address, or other contact information provided in a suspicious message.

Before sending money, residents should verify any changes in payment instructions directly with the company or law firm, contact their known representative using a trusted phone number, and be cautious of requests that create a sense of urgency or pressure them to act immediately.

Residents also should never provide financial or personal information without first confirming that the request is legitimate.

Scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated and often use information gathered from public records, social media, or previous communications to make their requests appear legitimate, the sheriff’s office said.

Anyone who believes they have been targeted by the scam, or who has already sent money, should contact local law enforcement immediately and notify their financial institution.

A few minutes spent verifying a payment request could prevent someone from becoming the victim of fraud.