Sheriff says, "Beware of scam!"
Contributed by Richland County Sheriff's Department

Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott announced Feb. 12 that the Sheriff's Department is currently investigating an incident that occurred on Feb. 3, 2007 around noon where two people approached a 66- year- old victim's home and the suspects began painting the victim's roof. Sheriff Leon Lott stated that after completing the "work," the suspects confronted the female victim and demanded $1700. The victim told the suspects that she did not have the funds to pay them. The suspects placed the victim into their car and drove her to a Wachovia Bank where they forced her to withdraw a large amount of money. Sheriff Leon Lott stated that the suspects then drove the victim to a Piggly Wiggly Grocery Store and forced her to write a personal check for a large sum of money. The Sheriff stated that the suspects then took the victim home and fled in their vehicle.

Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott wants all citizens to be on their guard for these suspects as well as the potential for other scam artists that may attempt to prey on our citizens. Sheriff Leon Lott added that if anyone falls prey to any crime or feels that they are being scammed that they should immediately call the Sheriff's Department at 576-3000. Anyone with information on the identity or whereabouts of the two people responsible for this incident are asked to call crimestoppers 888-559-tips or www.midlandscrimestoppers.com.