Caller used a spoofed local number and claimed the victim had active warrants, deputies say.
RIEGELWOOD, NC — The Columbus County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents to be on alert after a Riegelwood woman was defrauded of more than $16,000 in a phone scam carried out by a caller posing as law enforcement.
Deputies said the victim received a call from someone who claimed she had active warrants and needed to resolve them immediately to avoid being taken into custody. The caller used a local‑appearing number, a tactic investigators say is common in spoofing scams designed to look legitimate.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, the woman was instructed to withdraw $16,400 in cash and deposit it into a cryptocurrency ATM. After the transaction was completed, the caller attempted to demand additional money. Family members intervened and contacted law enforcement, who confirmed the call was fraudulent.
The Sheriff’s Office emphasized that it does not call residents to collect fines, fees, or bond payments, and it never requests payment through Bitcoin machines, gift cards, or wire transfers.
Similar impersonation scams are being reported across multiple counties, including calls that falsely claim missed jury duty or threaten immediate arrest.
Residents who receive suspicious calls are urged to hang up and contact the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office directly at 910.642.6551
Anyone who has already provided money or personal information is encouraged to file a report so investigators can document the activity and forward details to state and federal partners tracking the scam pattern.
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