Authorities have put out several warnings to area residents within the last month about rental scams and other crimes on the rise.
The Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office issued a warning to residents to avoid rental scams, in which victims pay a rental deposit for a home only to later learn the listing was fake.
Typically, BCSO reported, a scammer will post a rental scam online and advertise the property as if they own it. The victim will be convinced to pay a deposit amount without ever seeing the home. Most likely, someone else lives at the home.
Deputies said once a victim finds out about the scam, it’s too late. To prevent this from happening, BCSO suggests to not send money before verifying all the information, visiting the actual property and asking for reference or landlord reviews.
Deputies also said if the price is too good to be true, it probably is.
Lumber thefts
The Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office said as building material prices continue to climb, those same materials are being stolen with alarming regularity from construction sites, and no one company or building material is immune.
Agency officials said from one end of the county to the other, deputies are doing their best to patrol work sites. Deputies said the patrols have becomes more difficult as homes are being built at a fast pace in Dorchester County.
Items being taken…
