#ScamAlert | AM 1180 Radio

July 30, 2026

Summerville Man Reports Losing More Than $10,000 In Vacation Rental Scam

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A Summerville man reported losing more than $10,000 after falling victim to an apparent vacation rental scam, according to the Summerville Police Department.

Police say 48-year-old Brian Dover reported on July 27 that he and his wife had been communicating with someone claiming to be the owner of a vacation rental property listed on VRBO.

According to the incident report, Dover said he made an initial payment of $10,000, followed by another $500 transfer for the rental. He then traveled to Panama City Beach, Florida, to stay at the property, where he discovered the transaction was fraudulent.

The incident occurred at Dover’s residence on Back Penn Road in Summerville. The case remains under investigation by the Summerville Police Department.

Authorities remind residents to use caution when booking vacation rentals online. Travelers should verify property listings through legitimate rental platforms, avoid sending money outside of official payment systems, and be wary of deals that seem too good to be true.

July 29, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Georgia Officials Urge Consumers To Watch For Common Scam Warning Signs

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The Georgia Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division is reminding Georgians to stay alert for common warning signs that often indicate a scam. Officials say scammers constantly adapt their tactics, but many fraud attempts share the same red flags.

Among the biggest warning signs are requests to pay money in order to claim a prize or get a job, pressure to act immediately, threats of arrest or claims that a loved one is in danger, and demands to pay with gift cards, wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or other difficult-to-trace payment methods. Consumers should also be suspicious of unexpected requests for passwords, PINs, Social Security numbers, bank account information, or other personal financial details. Offers that sound too good to be true usually are.

If you receive a suspicious phone call, email, or text message, officials recommend hanging up or deleting the message without responding or clicking any links. Instead, contact the business or organization directly using a phone number or website you know is legitimate to verify whether the communication is real.

Anyone who believes they have been targeted by a scam can file a complaint with the Georgia Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division online or by calling 404-651-8600 or 800-869-1123.

July 28, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Georgia Corrections Warns Families About Bond And Prison Release Scams

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The Georgia Department of Corrections is warning families across the state about two scams involving false demands for money following an arrest or before an inmate’s release from prison.

In the first scam, callers claim to represent a sheriff’s office and contact the families of people who were recently arrested and released from a county jail. The callers falsely say that additional bond money, court costs or other fees must be paid.

The second scam targets families of people currently incarcerated. In those cases, callers claim to work for a sheriff’s office, probation or parole and falsely state that payment is required before the inmate can be released from prison.

State corrections officials believe the calls are being made by inmates using contraband cell phones.

The Georgia Department of Corrections says legitimate law enforcement agencies, probation officers and parole officers do not demand payment over the phone to secure someone’s release. They also do not require payment through gift cards, payment apps, cryptocurrency or other immediate payment methods.

Anyone receiving this type of call should not provide personal or financial information. Hang up and contact the sheriff’s office, probation office, parole office or correctional facility directly using an official phone number.

July 24, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Trion City Schools Warns Businesses About Unauthorized Sponsorship Solicitation

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Trion City Schools is warning local businesses about an unauthorized company that has reportedly been contacting businesses seeking advertising and sponsorships for Trion Middle School homework folders.

July 23, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Reminder: Lyerly Seeking Vendors For Down Home Day Celebration

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The Town of Lyerly is reminding vendors that applications are still being accepted for this year’s Down Home Day celebration, scheduled for Saturday, September 26, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.

Vendor spaces are $15 each. Anyone interested in participating should comment only on the Town of Lyerly’s Facebook post, send a private message to the official Lyerly, Georgia Facebook page or to Sally Kerce, or call Lyerly Town Hall at 706-895-2611.

Town officials are also warning vendors to be alert for online scammers. Last year, individuals impersonated event organizers on Facebook and attempted to collect $150 for vendor spaces through fraudulent payment requests.

Officials emphasize do not send money to anyone claiming to represent the event through Facebook comments or messages unless you are communicating directly with the official Lyerly, Georgia page or Sally Kerce.

July 13, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

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.

June 29, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Georgia Inmate Accused of Posing as Deputy in Phone Scam

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Authorities in Florida say a Georgia prison inmate has admitted to posing as a sheriff’s deputy in a phone scam that stole money from a Palm Coast, Florida resident.

June 28, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Sheriff Warns Residents About Phone Scam Targeting Chattooga County

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Chattooga County Sheriff Mark Schrader is warning residents about a phone scam targeting local citizens.

According to Sheriff Schrader, the Sheriff’s Office received four reports in one day from residents who were contacted by scammers claiming money was owed for missed court dates, civil matters, or bond-related issues. In one case, a victim reportedly lost $2,000.

Sheriff Schrader emphasized that the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office, and other legitimate law enforcement agencies, will never call residents and demand payment over the telephone. Law enforcement will not ask anyone to put money on gift cards, prepaid cards, or any other type of card to resolve court issues or bond someone out of jail.

Residents who receive suspicious calls should hang up and contact law enforcement directly using a verified phone number. Sheriff Schrader is asking the public to share the warning with family, friends, and neighbors to help prevent others from becoming victims.

June 18, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Summerville Woman Reports Harassing Messages, Police Warn Of Possible Scam

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A Summerville woman contacted police after receiving a series of anonymous messages that authorities believe may be part of a scam.

According to a report filed by the Summerville Police Department, officers responded to a harassment complaint at a residence on Allen Street on June 11.

The complainant, identified as 55-year-old Dina Joanne Harper, told officers she had been receiving anonymous messages on her phone from an unknown individual. When asked to show the messages, Harper reportedly was unable to locate them on her device.

The responding officer advised Harper that the messages contained harassing content and threats. Harper also stated that the messages referenced sending money.

Based on the information provided, the officer advised that the messages could be part of a scam and recommended that she block the number and avoid sending any form of payment.

Harper requested that a report be filed and also asked for additional patrols in the area.

No arrests have been made, and the incident remains under investigation.

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.