Full Notification

As we know, Polk County has some of the most giving hearts in North Carolina. The following information is for awareness purposes and not in any way meant to deter giving to individuals in need.

Following the devastation of hurricane Mathew, we have seen a rise in scams involving people requesting assistance. We are sharing this information in hope of assisting Polk County residents in not being taken advantaged of. We are asking that if you are contacted for assistance that some verification of the individuals situation be attempted.

In the past two weeks the following reports have been forwarded to our office:

Older female driving a 1997 Burgundy Chevrolet Astro Van, with two children. Going from church to church requesting funds. Female reportedly has stated she is a victim of hurricane Mathew, upon further investigation it was determined that she did not live in the area affected by Mathew.

Residents report receiving phone calls trying to solicit funds to help with hurricane relief. (Please do not give any personal banking information over phone to anyone.)

The Polk County Sheriffs Office would like to encourage our citizens to share any information about these scams or any other types of scams they are receiving with friends and neighbors, so as to stop these types of crimes from happening.