News Summary

Residents of Hilton Head are becoming increasingly concerned about a rise in check fraud cases. South Carolina ranks seventh in the nation for fraud rates, with older adults at higher risk. A local couple reported significant losses after their check was stolen and deposited fraudulently. Law enforcement recommends measures to safeguard against these scams, including using opaque envelopes and mailing checks in person. With numerous incidents recorded in the area, the urgency for residents to stay vigilant has never been greater.

Hilton Head Residents Face Rising Threat of Check Fraud

Hilton Head is experiencing a surge in check fraud cases, prompting concern among residents. With South Carolina ranked as having the seventh-highest rate of fraud cases in the nation, older adults are particularly at risk.

The recent case of a local couple highlights the dangers involved. They mailed a $1,640 check that was later deposited into an unknown male’s bank account. Over two months, the couple saw additional fraudulent attempts, leading to cumulative losses exceeding $6,000.

Key details:

• Police suspect that the original check was stolen from the mail and used to create copies.
• Many cases involve “washing” checks, allowing criminals to modify recipients and amounts.
• In Beaufort County, at least 13 incidents of check fraud have been reported since March 2025, with attempted thefts surpassing $60,000.

Law enforcement believes that quick detection of these scams enables many victims to reclaim their funds through bank reimbursement. However, incidents of stolen checks pose serious risks for identity fraud due to the sensitive personal information contained.

Lt. Calendine of the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office has warned residents against mailing cash or gift cards, as these items cannot be recovered once lost. While checks may be considered safer than cash, risks remain. Criminals can easily identify checks in mail based on envelope shape and weight.

Safety recommendations include:

• Using opaque envelopes to disguise contents.
• Utilizing postal services in person rather than leaving mail in public mailboxes.

Notably, a former postal worker in Hilton Head was convicted for mail theft, underscoring the vulnerabilities within the mailing system. Residents are encouraged to report lost or stolen mail via the USPS Office of Inspector General’s website.

Specific incidents of fraud include:

• A Bluffton man who reported a $4,872 check was intercepted.
• A Bluffton law group whose $6,142 check was cashed by another individual.
• A Sun City man’s check for $2,121, stolen and altered.
• An Okatie resident’s check intended for the county treasurer, altered for a larger amount.
• Reports from residents in Lady’s Island and Sea Pines Plantation involving checks washed and cashed for larger amounts.

Police stress the importance of safeguarding personal information during the mailing process to mitigate risks of identity theft.

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Additional Resources

• Island Packet: Check Fraud in Hilton Head
• Wikipedia: Fraud
• Forbes: BMW Defends Against Claims
• Google Search: Check Fraud in Hilton Head
• MyFox8: BMW Responds to White House Comment
• Google Scholar: Fraud Prevention Methods
• Carscoops: BMW Hits Back
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Fraud Types