#ScamAlert | AM 1180 Radio

May 27, 2026

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.

March 6, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Canton Man Booked in Floyd County on Theft by Deception, Elder Exploitation Charges

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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.

March 6, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Georgia DDS Warns of Phishing Scam Using Fake Texts About Tickets and License Suspensions

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The Georgia Department of Driver Services is warning residents about a phishing scam involving fake text messages that claim to be from state agencies. Officials say the messages may demand payment for tickets or threaten driver’s license suspension, but DDS says these texts are not legitimate and are designed to steal personal information. DDS officials stress they will never contact people by text message asking for payment or sensitive details, and residents should avoid clicking any links and instead verify license status directly at the official site: dds.drives.ga.gov.

March 4, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Sheriff Warns of Toll Violation Scam Targeting Chattooga County Residents

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Chattooga County Sheriff Mark Schrader is warning residents about a phony traffic citation notice circulating throughout the county that claims recipients failed to pay a toll and must appear in court or pay immediately.

The notice, which appears to be from the “State Court of Fulton County,” includes a QR code demanding payment and threatens arrest warrants, license suspension, and other penalties. Sheriff Schrader says the document is a scam and should not be taken seriously.

In a public statement, Sheriff Schrader said, “If you get one of these, consider yourself among about half the county today!! Everyone must have missed the toll at the same time!!! Don’t scan the QR and send money!”

Authorities are urging residents not to scan the QR code, not to send money, and not to provide personal information. Anyone who receives the notice should discard it and report concerns to the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office.

Officials remind the public that legitimate court notices and traffic citations will not demand immediate payment through random QR codes sent in bulk.