Sheriff: Be Careful of Phone Scam

The Pickens County Sheriff's Department is warning residents of a phone scam that has targeted many of the county's citizens.

The sheriff's department has been receiving complaints from residents about scam phone calls telling them they have won the lottery or a luxury vehicle, according to officials. The callers then tell the victims to send a "processing fee" or simply pay the taxes on their prize in order to claim it.

Sheriff David Stone said many of the calls have been originating from an area code in Jamaica or other countries. The primary targets for the scam phone calls have been elderly residents.

"If you receive a call from an unfamiliar area code verify the location of the area code through google or www.consumer.att.com," Stone said.

Stone warned that checking online is the safest route as redialing the numbers could be an expensive phone call for victims of the scam.

"Never send money or give out any personal information without knowing who you are dealing with," Stone said. "The best policy is don't answer the phone if you don't recognize the number, let them leave a message."