Hyde County Sheriff warns of video-call scam targeting children

By Submitted Story on September 29, 2026

Hyde County Sheriff’s Office

The Hyde County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents about a scam recently reported in Hyde County involving unsolicited video calls through Google Duo/Google video-calling services.

According to the report received by the Hyde County Sheriff’s Office, an individual using a Gmail email account initiated a video call and spoke directly with children. During the conversation, the caller attempted to convince the children to obtain their parents’ debit or credit cards and provide the cards to the caller so that the caller could obtain the card information.

Parents and guardians are urged to speak with their children about this scam and make sure they understand that they should never provide a stranger with access to a parent’s credit card, debit card, bank information, passwords, or other personal information.

The Sheriff’s Office reminds parents that scammers may use video calls, email addresses, phone numbers, social media accounts, or other technology to make themselves appear legitimate. Caller identification and email addresses should not be considered proof that a person is who they claim to be. The Federal Trade Commission warns that scammers commonly use phone and online communications to obtain financial or personal information.

If a child receives an unexpected video call or message from someone they do not know:

• Do not provide any personal or financial information.
• Do not retrieve or show a parent’s credit or debit card.
• Do not provide passwords, PINs, security codes, or account information.
• Do not send photographs of credit/debit cards or identification.
• End the call and block the account or caller.
• Tell a parent, guardian, teacher, or other trusted adult immediately.
• Save screenshots, email addresses, usernames, phone numbers, or other information that may assist law enforcement.

Parents are encouraged to review the privacy and communication settings on devices and accounts used by their children and to remind children that someone contacting them through a video call does not necessarily mean that person can be trusted.

If you believe you or your child has provided financial or personal information to a scammer, contact your financial institution immediately and monitor the affected accounts. Suspected scams can also be reported to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. (Consumer Advice⁠)

The Hyde County Sheriff’s Office encourages residents to share this information with family members, particularly parents and children, to help prevent anyone from becoming a victim.

If you receive a suspicious call or communication of this nature, do not engage with the caller. Document the information and contact the Hyde County Sheriff’s Office.

Hyde County Sheriff’s Office

Serving and Protecting the Citizens of Hyde County