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Police warn public about SLED scam

The fake SLED agents that snookered a wad of cash from an Orangeburg woman have been back in town preying on the elderly once more, police say.

On Friday, two men foisting themselves off as SLED agents targeted a senior citizen and managed to scam her out of money, Orangeburg Department of Public Safety Capt. Mike Adams said.

"These two guys have been posing as law enforcement officers," Adams said. "They approached an elderly Whittaker Street lady and convinced her to drive to her bank and withdraw an undetermined amount of money."

Following this latest incident, however, a very real SLED sketch artist drew what police feel is an accurate composite image of the two perpetrators. Police are issuing those sketchings to the media in an attempt to warn residents, particularly the elderly, of the "fake" police officers.

This is not the first time this type of incident has occurred in Orangeburg.

On Nov. 23, another elderly Orangeburg woman was bilked of several thousands of dollars. The two men posing as SLED agents in the incident duped the woman into believing the money in her banking account was being mixed with counterfeit money. She was taken to one of her banks where about $4,000 was withdrawn — then handed over to the "agents."

The two imposters then convinced the woman to withdraw $50,000 from another bank, but alert cashiers at that bank became suspicious and called police.

Real investigators feel certain the two incidents are related. Not only that, but the scams occurring here may be related to other incidents in the state where individuals are portraying themselves as SLED agents or police officers.

"We believe they are connected to some other incidents that have been going on around here," he said. "We have some reports that this very serious type of offense is happening in the Lowcountry."

The very real police are asking the public's help in making contact with the fake officers in order to demonstrate the arrest procedure. The two men may still be in the area, Adams said.

"Anyone who has knowledge of these offenses is asked to call the Orangeburg Department of Public Safety, the Orangeburg County Sheriff's Office or Crimestoppers," Adams said.

And if anyone approaches you stating they are a police officer who wants you to withdraw money — call for help, Adams said.

"Contact law enforcement immediately," Adams said. "A law enforcement officer is not going to ask you to accompany them to the bank. Period."

The ODPS can reached at 803-534-2812; OCSO, 803-531-4647; CrimeStoppers toll free at 1-888-83CRIME (1-888-832-7462).