Area law enforcement leaders warn citizens of a recent scam in which a team of con artists finagle all-terrain vehicles and golf carts from unsuspecting dealers.
    Both Statesboro police and Bulloch County sheriff’s officials have contacted area dealers to give them a heads-up about the latest scam happening around the state.
    “The scam involves a potential buyer, or possibly two, who enter the dealership and attempt to purchase an ATV or golf cart with a credit card,” Sheriff Lynn Anderson said. “When the card is run by the dealer, the card will not process the transaction correctly.”
    Then, one of the “buyers” will call a third participant in the scam, “usually a female, who will speak with management and authorize the transaction. The buyers take the merchandise and the business later discovers that the card was in fact fraudulent.”
    Giving local businesses a tip about the scam might help prevent them from becoming victims,  Statesboro Public Safety Director Wendell Turner said.
    "We hope this information is helpful and will put our local business owners and their staff on alert to be on the lookout for this type behavior,” he said. “(Statesboro police) Maj. Scott Brunson and (Bulloch County sheriff’s) Chief Deputy Jared Akins have also placed phone calls to these type businesses, which has been very well received."
    The scam has occurred in several other counties in southeast Georgia, but not yet in Bulloch or adjacent counties, Anderson said.
    Any suspected scam attempt should be reported to either the Statesboro Police Department, (912) 764-9911, or Bulloch County Sheriff’s Office, (912) 764-1771, depending on the jurisdiction.
    Business owners should record descriptions of the suspects, as well as a description of the vehicle they use, a tag number and direction of travel, Anderson said.
   
    Holli Deal Bragg may be reached at (912) 489-9414.