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.
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.
The Walker County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents about a new wave of scam calls from people falsely claiming to be employees or officers with the agency. According to the sheriff’s office, callers are telling victims they missed jury duty and now have a warrant, while also making it appear the call is coming from the sheriff’s office main phone line.
Officials say the Walker County Sheriff’s Office does not operate this way and is urging the public not to give out personal information or send money to anyone they do not know. Anyone with questions about the calls is encouraged to contact the sheriff’s office directly at 706-670-1931.
A Canton man was booked into the Floyd County Jail on Tuesday on charges of theft by deception and exploitation of the elderly.
According to arrest warrants, 35-year-old Quinton Antonio Wood Sr. contacted a Rome man over the age of 65 on January 26 and told him his bank account had been compromised.
Investigators say Wood instructed the victim to withdraw money for “safekeeping,” then later showed up at the victim’s residence, claiming to be acting in an official capacity, and accepted $9,000 in cash.
The victim was later able to identify Wood in a photo lineup, leading to the warrants and arrest.
The case remains under investigation.
Residents in Walker County are being warned about a phone scam involving callers who falsely claim someone has missed a court date or failed to report for jury duty.
Federal authorities are warning the public about a scam involving fraudsters impersonating federal law enforcement and prosecutors. According to the Department of Justice, scammers—possibly operating from outside the United States—are contacting Americans by text message, email, or phone call, falsely claiming the victim is a suspect in a fraud investigation in an attempt to pressure them into handing over money or sensitive information.
Officials say the scam often involves multiple contacts before the criminals begin requesting personal details such as credit card numbers, banking information, or other identifying data. FBI Atlanta Acting Special Agent in Charge Peter Ellis said scammers rely on fear and intimidation, and warned that the FBI will pursue those involved.
The DOJ says these scammers may use convincing details—such as real-sounding titles, badge numbers, names, and addresses—and can even spoof phone numbers to make it appear calls are coming from legitimate government agencies. Authorities stress that federal agencies do not call and demand money or personal information over the phone, and anyone receiving these messages should not provide information and should report suspected scams.
The Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office is warning local residents about a phone scam making the rounds in the area that involves callers impersonating law enforcement or court officials and using intimidation to demand immediate payment.
The Summerville Police Department is warning residents about a scam targeting families with urgent claims that a loved one is in jail and needs immediate bond money.