The policy affects only online and mobile app postings, giving officials time to block fraudsters who mine booking records to find victims for fake bail schemes.

“Most individuals brought to the Sheriff Al Cannon Detention Center remain in our care for less than 24 hours,” sheriff’s spokesperson Lexi Douglas said. “Those hours are critical in preventing scammers from exploiting families during a vulnerable time.”

The change appears to work. Between October 2024 and October 2025, the sheriff’s office investigated about 188 fraud and suspicious reports, including eight confirmed jail bail scams. Since the delay started, no such scams have been reported to the department.

The fraudulent calls follow a familiar script: someone claiming to be law enforcement demands immediate payment for bail or fees, often targeting families who don’t yet know their relative has been arrested.

Booking information remains public under the new system, just delayed online. Anyone can still check the printed daily list posted at 9 a.m. in the Sheriff Al Cannon Detention Center lobby on Leeds Avenue in North Charleston, next to the visitor log. Copies won’t be provided.

The sheriff’s office stressed that real deputies never call residents asking for money for bail or any other reason.

While the jail scam delay targets one specific fraud, officials warn residents about several schemes hitting Charleston County families. Government impersonation scams involve fake calls from someone claiming to represent the IRS, Social Security Administration or police, often mentioning identity theft, outstanding warrants or missed jury duty.

Tech support scams use computer pop-ups or phone calls claiming devices are infected. Phishing emails that look like bank or government messages direct people to suspicious websites. Romance and friendship scams build emotional connections online before requesting money.

The “grandparent scam” has callers impersonating grandchildren in trouble, sometimes using artificial intelligence to copy voices.

Authorities recommend three steps when suspicious calls arrive: rethink the situation if a call creates panic, refuse to pay with gift cards or cryptocurrency, and research by hanging up and calling official numbers independently.

Red flags include requests for payment through gift cards, cryptocurrency, apps like Zelle or Venmo, wire transfers or cash couriers. Legitimate agencies won’t ask for remote computer access or personal information like Social Security or Medicare numbers over the phone.

Residents who suspect scam attempts can report them to the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office non-emergency line at 843-202-1700, the South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs at 1-800-922-1594, or Adult Protective Services’ 24-hour hotline at 1-888-227-3487.

Federal options include the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov or 1-877-382-4357, the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov, and the AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline at 1-877-908-3360.

Officials urge reporting even when no money changes hands, as the information helps federal agencies track patterns and protect other community members.

“We are proud that the staff at the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office has brainstormed a way to find some relief for a small part of this problem,” the office said. “We hope to be a model for other agencies.”