
Staff report
Captain Richard Allen of the Bladen County Sheriff’s Office recently issued a public warning about an increase in scam phone calls targeting local residents. These fraudulent calls exploit the names of local officials to deceive victims into handing over money or sensitive personal information.
The surge in scam activity has prompted heightened concern, with scammers becoming increasingly sophisticated in their methods. “They’re using the names of real people in our community, which makes it much harder for people to recognize these calls as scams,” Captain Allen explained. “We urge everyone to stay vigilant and verify any request for money or information.”
The Rising Cost of Scams
Scammers have leveraged real-time payment systems and technological advancements to commit fraud on an unprecedented scale. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) estimates that financial losses from scams in 2023 reached $158 billion, a sharp increase from $137 billion in 2022. Globally, over $1.03 trillion has already been lost to scams in 2024, a staggering figure that highlights the severity of the problem.
With these growing losses, the question of who should bear the financial burden has sparked heated debate. Banks, technology providers, and consumers each play a role in combating scams, but accountability often falls unevenly. For victims, recovering lost funds remains a challenging and often fruitless process.
Protect Yourself and Report Suspicious Activity
The Bladen County Sheriff’s Office encourages residents to take precautions to avoid falling victim to these schemes. If you receive a call claiming to be from a local official, always verify their identity independently by calling the organization they claim to represent. Never share personal or financial information over the phone unless you are absolutely certain of the caller’s legitimacy.
If you suspect you have been targeted by a scam, contact local law enforcement immediately. Reporting these incidents helps authorities track scammers’ methods and potentially prevent others from being victimized.
The Importance of Awareness
As scams evolve and become more sophisticated, public awareness is a critical defense. Captain Allen emphasized, “The best protection we have is an informed community. If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts and reach out to us.”
To report a scam or suspicious activity in Bladen County, contact the Sheriff’s Office at 910-862-6960. Remember: staying vigilant can save you and your neighbors from financial and emotional harm.