SCAM ALERT: Callers Impersonating Laurens Police Seeking Money
February 2, 2026
Residents are being warned about a phone scam involving individuals falsely claiming to represent the Laurens City Police Department.
According to local authorities, scammers are posing as an officer named “Michael Malone” and attempting to pressure people into sending money under urgent and alarming circumstances. Victims report being told they must immediately pay to clear up a warrant, post bond for a family member, or resolve a supposed legal issue to avoid arrest.
Police stress that these calls are fraudulent.
Law enforcement officials want the public to know they will never call and demand money for warrants, bail, or fines. They also do not request payments through prepaid debit cards, gift cards, Apple Pay cards, or similar methods. Any caller insisting on those types of payments is a scammer.
These schemes are not new, but criminals continue to use convincing stories and urgent language to create panic and pressure people into acting quickly without verifying the information.
Residents are encouraged to pause and verify before responding to any unexpected call involving money or legal threats. Anyone who receives a suspicious call claiming to be from law enforcement can hang up and contact the agency directly using a trusted phone number to confirm it is a scam.
The public is also reminded that Municipal Court communicates unpaid fines by mail. If someone has never been to court for a violation, a phone call claiming money is owed is false.
Anyone who receives one of these scam calls or has questions is encouraged to contact the Laurens Police Department at 864-984-3532. Authorities also ask residents to share the warning with friends and family, especially elderly neighbors who are often targeted, to help prevent others from becoming victims.
