Scammers are taking advantage of hurricane victims, lawmakers warn

ASHEVILLE, NC (FOX Carolina) – The Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents that scammers are trying to take advantage of vulnerable people in the community after Hurricane Helene.

Criminals steal money from people through jury duty fraud, disaster relief fraud, and tax lien fraud.

If you receive a call or text about paying a fine for missing jury proceedings, do not respond or deposit money to the prepaid debit card.

If you receive a call, text, or email about donations for disaster relief, review the source before sharing any financial information.

The Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office never asks for money over the phone, but some scammers send letters claiming to be from the county’s “tax investigation unit” claiming victims owe money.

If you receive a call from someone claiming to work for the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office asking for or requesting money for any reason, Click here to report.