In recent weeks, a spate of scam calls has unnerved residents across South Carolina. Callers claiming to be from a state legal agency—which they say has documents to serve regarding a “state case”—are reaching out using phone numbers 803-262-2788 and 877-396-3346. Those receiving the calls report a familiar pattern: threats of legal consequences unless immediate action is taken.
Though these exact numbers have not surfaced in official press reports, authorities warn they fit the mold of government impersonation scams that have become increasingly common in the state.
Scammers’ Modus Operandi
- Government impersonation: Callers pose as law enforcement or legal officers, claiming missed jury duty, court summons, or outstanding warrants. Similar scams in South Carolina have involved the FBI, sheriff’s offices, or civil services divisions.https://www.wistv.comhttps://www.live5news.comFacebook
- Spoofing legitimacy: Scammers often fake caller ID numbers that mimic official agency lines, such as the FBI’s Columbia field office, to boost credibility.https://www.wistv.com
- High-pressure tactics: Victims are coerced to pay immediately—often via cryptocurrency, gift cards, cash, or wire transfers—to “resolve” their alleged court matter.https://www.wistv.comWJCLhttps://www.live5news.com
Voices from the Community
Online forums like Reddit reflect first-hand encounters:
“If the Sheriff … is going to get involved … a deputy will come to your house … They’re not going to call.”Reddit
“They try and get you to pay your ‘bail’ via a crypto atm. … It seems like such obvious bullshit.”Reddit
These accounts mirror official guidance: any legitimate legal contact would not demand payment over the phone, especially not in cryptocurrency.
Official Warnings and Responses
- The FBI has issued statewide warnings about impersonation scams. Thefts of this type—claiming lawsuits, missed jury duty, or arrest threats—are real, and often scammers try to redirect victims to withdraw large sums in cash and convert to digital currency at kiosks.https://www.wistv.com
- Local law enforcement agencies, including the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office, have explicitly stated they will never call someone demanding money and said any such calls are fraudulent.https://www.live5news.comFacebook
Authorities strongly urge residents to immediately hang up on suspicious callers, verify official numbers independently, and use trusted channels—like official websites or known public phone directories—to confirm legitimacy.
What to Do If You Receive Such a Call
- Do not comply with any payment request, especially over the phone.
- Hang up immediately and do not call back the suspicious number.
- Contact your local law enforcement or reach out to the FBI directly at 1-800-CALL-FBI, or submit a tip online.
- Report the number and nature of the call to your local authorities or consumer protection agencies.
Final Thoughts
While there’s no public record yet tying 803-262-2788 or 877-396-3346 to known scams, the narrative is unmistakably familiar—and dangerous. As these schemes evolve, staying vigilant, informed, and skeptical of unsolicited legal threats is the best shield.