New scam targets local businesses

The Stephens County Sheriff’s Office is currently investigating a new scam.

According to Stephens County Sheriff Randy Shirley, the scam has several local business owners reporting unauthorized credit card charges.

He says the scammers are targeting businesses that take credit card payments over the phone.

“People have been calling businesses on the phone asking to pay for an item or items over the phone. They’ll give the business their card number and the purchase will go through approved; however, later the businesses will receive a notice that those charges were unauthorized and would be credited back to the card,” Shirley said.

Shirley says business owners should consider the following tips to reduce the risk of being scammed.

The most important one do not take payments over the phone.

For additional information  regarding this scam contact the Stephens County Sheriff’s Office by calling 706-886-2525.