#ScamAlert | AM 1180 Radio

June 28, 2026

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.

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 13, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Tax Season Scams On The Rise As April 15 Deadline Approaches

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With the April 15 tax deadline just days away, officials are warning Georgia residents to be on high alert for scams targeting taxpayers during one of the busiest times of the year.

April 1, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Tax Commissioner Warns Residents About DMV Text Scam

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Chattooga County Tax Commissioner Joy Hampton is warning residents about a scam involving fake notices claiming your vehicle registration is about to be canceled.

The scam message appears to come from a Georgia court and threatens enforcement action over an alleged traffic violation. It often includes a QR code and urges immediate action.

Officials say the notice is fraudulent and designed to scare recipients into responding or providing personal information.

Hampton urges residents to be cautious and look for red flags, including missing personal details like your name, license plate number, or address. She also warns never to scan QR codes or respond to suspicious messages.

If you receive a message like this, do not engage. Instead, report it and verify any concerns directly through official state or county offices.

Authorities remind residents that legitimate government agencies will not request sensitive information through unsolicited messages.

March 27, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Chattooga County Sheriff Warns Of Email Scam Targeting Residents

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Chattooga County Sheriff Mark Schrader is warning residents to be on alert for a scam involving emails that appear to come from the Sheriff’s Office.

March 12, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Walker County Sheriff’s Office Warns of Jury Duty Scam Calls

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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.

March 7, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

IRS Releases “Dirty Dozen” List of Tax Scams for 2026

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The Internal Revenue Service has released its annual “Dirty Dozen” list of tax scams for 2026, warning taxpayers to stay alert for schemes that could steal personal information, financial data, or tax refunds during the filing season.