RCSD warns about inmate scam affecting residents

RICHLAND COUNTY, S.C. (WOLO)– RCSD Sheriff Leon Lott says more than 100 people in Richland County have fallen victim to a scam perpetrated by inmates in the Georgia Prison System.

According to Sheriff Lott, they have identified nine inmates involved in the scam so far.

Investigators say the inmates would contact the family members of those with loved ones in prison and pose as either law enforcement or bail bondsmen in an effort to scam them out of money.

Deputies say the victims have lost more than $100,000 in the past year.

One of the men victimized by this scam says everyone needs to stay vigilant.

Sheriff Lott says law enforcement will never call you and ask for money, and if you have any suspicions at all contact the actual sheriff’s department.