#ConsumerAlert | AM 1180 Radio

July 13, 2026

Chattooga County Coroner Warns Families About Funeral Home Impersonation Scam

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The Chattooga County Coroner’s Office is warning residents about a scam targeting grieving families following the death of a loved one.

In a public alert, Coroner Jeremy A. McElhaney said scammers are posing as funeral home employees after monitoring online obituaries. The scammers then contact family members and demand immediate payment, falsely claiming to represent the funeral home handling funeral arrangements.

McElhaney urged anyone receiving such a call not to provide any personal or financial information. Instead, he advises families to hang up and contact their funeral home directly using a trusted phone number to verify whether the call is legitimate.

“I personally know the owner/operators of all three Chattooga County funeral homes and can assure you that is not the way they conduct business,” McElhaney said.

Residents are encouraged to share the warning to help prevent others from becoming victims of the scam.

July 8, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Publix Recalls Frozen Blueberries Sold in Georgia After E. coli Illnesses Reported

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Publix customers in Georgia are being urged to check their freezers after the grocery chain recalled a specific lot of frozen blueberries linked to 12 confirmed cases of E. coli illness.

July 6, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Pedigree Recalls Select Canned Dog Food Over Possible Metal And Plastic Contamination

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Pet owners are being urged to check their dog food after the manufacturer of Pedigree canned dog food announced a voluntary recall of two products because they may contain metal and plastic fragments.

The recall affects select lots of Pedigree Choice Cuts in Gravy canned dog food. According to the manufacturer, the foreign materials could pose a choking hazard or cause injury if consumed by pets.

Consumers who have recalled products should stop feeding them to their dogs immediately. Pet owners are encouraged to dispose of the affected cans or return them to the place of purchase for a refund.

Anyone whose dog has consumed the recalled food and is showing signs of illness or injury should contact a veterinarian promptly.

Consumers with questions about the recall can contact the manufacturer or visit the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s website for complete lot numbers and additional information.

June 20, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Social Security Warns Americans to Watch for Elder Abuse and Imposter Scams

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The Social Security Administration is urging Americans to watch for signs of elder abuse, neglect, financial exploitation, and fraud as scammers continue targeting older adults across the country.

June 14, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Experts Warn of Growing Digital Calendar Scam Targeting Email Users

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Cybersecurity experts are warning consumers about a growing phishing scam that uses digital calendar invitations to trick victims into revealing personal information, financial details and account credentials.

June 5, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Mentone Woman Loses $25,000 in Bitcoin Scam After Receiving Fraudulent Phone Calls

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The Summerville Police Department is investigating a fraud case after a woman reported losing $25,000 in a scheme involving callers who falsely claimed her bank account had been compromised.

May 27, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Georgia Power Warns Customers About Active Utility Scams

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Georgia Power customers are being warned about active scams involving people pretending to represent the utility company.

Scammers may contact customers by phone, text message, fake websites, or even door-to-door visits, claiming a bill is overdue and threatening immediate disconnection unless payment is made right away.

Georgia Power says customers should be especially cautious if someone demands payment through prepaid debit cards, gift cards, Cash App, Venmo, Bitcoin, or similar methods. The company says it does not collect payments door-to-door and does not demand those types of payments.

Customers should also watch for fake caller ID information and lookalike websites designed to steal personal or payment information.

Anyone who receives a suspicious call or visit should hang up, avoid giving out personal information, and verify the request by calling Georgia Power directly at 888-660-5890 or visiting GeorgiaPower.com.

Customers approached at home by someone suspicious should also contact local law enforcement.

May 19, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Georgia State Patrol Warns Drivers About Text Message Scam

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The Georgia State Patrol is warning drivers about a scam involving fake text messages claiming to be from law enforcement.

According to GSP, scammers are sending messages saying recipients have outstanding violations or fines connected to their vehicle. The messages may threaten enforcement action or arrest and urge people to click a link to make a payment.

State officials say GSP troopers will not send text messages demanding money, threatening arrest, or asking drivers to click a link to resolve official violations.

Anyone who receives one of these messages should not click the link, reply, provide personal information, or send payment.

Drivers who are concerned about a possible citation or fine should contact the Georgia Department of Public Safety or their local court directly using verified contact information.

Officials say these scams are designed to create fear and urgency, and drivers should slow down, verify first, and contact the proper agency directly if they have questions.

April 12, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Georgia Officials Warn Of DDS Text Scam Targeting Drivers

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Georgia officials are warning residents to be on alert after a wave of scam text messages claiming to come from the Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS).

March 29, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Georgia Bill Aims To Return Billions In Unclaimed Money To Residents

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A proposed bill in Georgia could help return billions of dollars in unclaimed money to residents, but the effort is facing challenges at the State Capitol.

Lawmakers say the state is currently holding more than $3 billion in unclaimed property, which includes things like uncashed checks, old bank accounts, refunds, and other funds that belong to individuals.

The legislation would allow the Georgia Department of Revenue to automatically match records and send checks directly to residents, especially for smaller amounts, without requiring people to file a claim.

Supporters say the goal is to make it easier for Georgians to get their money back faster, cutting down on paperwork and making the process more efficient. However, the proposal has raised concerns among some lawmakers because parts of the bill could allow the state to take ownership of certain funds if they remain unclaimed for long periods of time.

The bill has already passed the State Senate but has stalled in a House committee, leaving its future uncertain as the legislative session continues.