Town of Clayton Rallies to Fight Back & Outsmart Scammers

With recent reports of people falling victim to scams in Johnston County, the Town of Clayton is gearing up for Slam the Scam Day on Thursday, March 6, to help residents recognize and avoid these deceptive schemes. The day aims to raise awareness and empower the community with tools to stay safe.

Scams are a growing problem in North Carolina, with over 50,000 incidents reported and more than $15 million lost to fraud in 2023, according to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). This trend is part of a nationwide increase in fraudulent activity, affecting people of all ages and backgrounds.

“Scammers are becoming more sophisticated. They are using increasingly convincing tactics to manipulate people, but anyone can protect themselves by staying alert,” said Communication Director Nathanael Shelton. “On Slam the Scam Day, we want Clayton residents to feel empowered to recognize the warning signs before it’s too late.”

On Slam the Scam Day, the Town is sharing tips on how to recognize some of the most common scams making the rounds in the area:

Toll and Traffic Ticket Scams: Scammers send a text claiming that recipients owe toll fees or a traffic ticket fine. They often include a link to pay the fine, which leads to a fake payment page designed to steal your financial details.
Cryptocurrency Scams: Scammers offer “too-good-to-be-true” returns on cryptocurrency investments, asking for personal information or money. These schemes can lead to major financial losses for unsuspecting victims.
Jury Duty Scams: Fraudsters impersonate court officials, claiming that a person missed jury duty and demanding payment to avoid arrest. These scams prey on fear and create unnecessary stress.
Telephone Scams: Fraudulent calls from supposed government agents, tech support, or even family members are becoming more frequent. Scammers often aim to steal personal information or money from victims.
Financial Scams Targeting Older Adults: Older adults are increasingly targeted with fake offers for medical products, home repairs, or financial assistance. These scams exploit vulnerabilities, causing emotional and financial damage.
Mail and Delivery Scams: Fake invoices or non-existent package deliveries are used to trick people into paying for goods they didn’t order. These scams often lead to frustration and financial strain.

“When something feels off, trust your instincts. Scammers rely on urgency and fear to push you into making quick decisions,” Shelton said. “We’re here to help Clayton residents spot these red flags and take action to stay safe.”

Residents should always take a moment to verify the identity of anyone who contacts them unexpectedly and avoid rushing into decisions. Scammers thrive on creating a sense of pressure, but taking a step back can help prevent costly mistakes.

If a scam is suspected, it’s important to report it to the proper authorities. More information about what to do and how to report a scam can be found on the Federal Trade Commission (FTC)’s website: consumer.ftc.gov/articles/what-do-if-you-were-scammed