Frequently Asked Questions

It is best to file a fraud report with the front desk officer at the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office (8045 Howard Street, Spartanburg County, 29303)

It is not required to submit all the evidence at the time the report is completed but it will be needed once the investigation begins. We generally want the evidence to be provided within seventy-two hours unless there is a reasonable cause. We cannot conduct a proper investigation until we receive all the evidence.

The report will be reviewed by the supervisor of the Fraud Unit. If the incident happened in Spartanburg County then it will then be assigned to an investigator for follow up. The investigator will contact the victim and review the case with them. The investigator will then determine the next step in the investigation. After the investigation is complete and the evidence supports a charge the case will be presented to a Magistrate for a warrant. It will then be sent to the Solicitor’s Office for prosecution.

These scams are very hard to investigate. The first thing that needs to be done is file a police report in the jurisdiction where you live. Because of the distance these scams are done at it is very hard to track down the correct identity of the suspect. It is rare the suspect is ever identified and the money recovered. Prevention is the best option in these cases. Never wire money to someone you don’t know.

First priority is to get you relieved of the debt. This is started by filing a police report with the Sheriff’s Office. Then contact the companies and dispute the accounts as fraudulent. The companies may require you to fill out fraud paperwork with them and send them a copy of the police report. The Sheriff’s Office will also need a copy of the fraud paperwork from the companies as well. Once this is done the debt is put back on the companies where the fraudulent accounts occurred. The companies become the financial victim then. If the accounts were opened in Spartanburg County then the Sheriff’s Office will investigate it. If it occurred in another jurisdiction then that local police agency will be required to investigate it.

Counterfeiting is investigated by the United States Secret Service. The counterfeit money is turned over to them for investigation. The Fraud Unit will assist the Secret Service when requested.  

To issue a trespass notice, follow these steps to ensure proper documentation and enforcement:

1. Send a Certified Letter: Go to your local Post Office to send the letter via Certified Mail to the individual(s) in question. Make sure you have their correct address.

2. Request Return Receipt: When sending the letter, request a Return Receipt for proof that the person received it. Additionally, you may request Restricted Delivery if you need the letter delivered only to the person named.

3. Separate Letters if Needed: If more than one person resides at the same address, send individual certified letters to each person.

4. Keep Copies and Receipts: Make a copy of the trespass notice for your own records and keep the Post Office receipt. These records are essential if any violations occur.

If the person violates the notice, they may be charged with "Trespassing After Notice."

A generic trespass notice form can be obtained from the Sheriff’s Office, or you can download and print one by clicking here.

For individuals seeking Detention Orders for mental health or substance abuse concerns, here are the steps to follow:

• Mental Health Detention Orders: Complainants should contact Mental Health at 250 Dewey Ave., Spartanburg or call 864-585-0366 for assistance with mental health-related detention orders.

• Drug & Alcohol Abuse Detention Orders: Complainants should reach out to DETOX/SADAC at 151 N. Spring St., Spartanburg or call 864-596-2300 to request detention orders for drug or alcohol abuse issues.

• After-Hours, Weekends, and Holidays: During these times, complainants should go to the Spartanburg County Sheriff's Office, located at 8045 Howard St., Spartanburg, SC, to speak with the Desk Officer, who will assist in contacting the Probate Judge.

Following these guidelines will help ensure proper processing and support for detention orders.