CABL Forum - One of the scam artists posed as a cable installer

There are scam artists at work and their targets of preference seem to be the elderly.

The Lexington County Sheriff’s Department has reported two instances of scams against the elderly that are strikingly similar to one used against an Orangeburg County woman about two weeks ago.

In each of the cases, the scam artist used the same ruse, asking the elderly person to walk outside in their yard with him. One of the scam artists posed as a cable installer. In two of the cases, the scam artist posed as a representative from a utility company.

In all the instances, while the person was outside with the scam artist, another person entered the home and stole items.

Orangeburg County Sheriff’s Office Capt. Leroy Ravenell said there have been so few cases in Orangeburg County that he does not see it as a trend.

“But even one case is one case too many,” Ravenell said. “People need to be aware that it can happen and be careful. We had a call from a man after he read a T&D article. He said it sounded like the same thing that someone tried to do to him.”

Maj. John Allard of the Lexington County Sheriff’s Office said there have only been the two cases reported in that county.

“The reason we released the information is so that people can be vigilant,” he said. “If people know it’s going on, they can be more guarded. We want people to remember that there are very few people you have any legal obligation to let into your house.”

To guard against being a victim of scam artists, OCSO Maj. Barbara Walters suggests thoroughly check out anyone claiming to represent a company.

“Ask the person for some identification,” Walters said. “And ask for a phone number to their company so you check with their company before doing any business with them.”

Allard said any representative of a utility company or cable company will probably drive a vehicle with the company’s logo and name on it.

“These people are preying on the most vulnerable people,” Allard said. “We have to arm people with information if we’re going to put a stop to these scam artists.”

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One of the scam artists posed as a cable installer