In one, Detective O.L. Wiltsie said, a victim was taken for close to $1,000 while the other saw through the ruse and did not lose money.

Scammers, in the spring, attacked hard in Halifax County, the detective said, and victims saw losses of $100 to $200 and one who ended up losing between $7,000 to $8,000.

After a hiatus during the early summer, scammers are again striking in Halifax County.

Wiltsie explained in a telephone interview this afternoon the hiatus, saying that potential victims get wise to the scams and the scammers lay low for awhile. “Sometimes they get the right ones. A lot of times people forget.”

The scams, he said, don't necessarily target specific people. “They go after a wide variety of people. With the economy, it's not helping things. People want fast money.”

Within the last month the sheriff's office has seen an uptick, Wiltsie said.

In a news release Wiltsie said in order for people to safeguard themselves against scams they first need to know how to recognize them.

Banking and online scams

Banking and online scams aim to steal your account information and your money. Many of these scams can look and sound like the real thing. Scams often range from emails pretending to be from your bank to scammers calling telling you they are from your bank and that there is something wrong with the account.

Chain letter and pyramid scams

Chain Letters and pyramid scams are often easier to recognize and to avoid.

Chain letter scams make promises of financial gain for just a small cost. Pyramid schemes target collapses when there are no new victims.

Health and medical scams

Health and medical scams often target people with medical conditions or who are concerned about their health. These scams include miracle cures that promise to make you feel better or magic weight loss pills and crèmes. Not only are these scams costly but they can also be damaging to your health.

Identity theft

Identity theft occurs when your personal information such as credit card numbers, social security numbers, driver license numbers, and date of birth are obtained.

Scammers use your personal information to make purchases and to acquire debt that is then transferred to you.

Employment scams

Job employment scams which are often called work from home scams promise a lot of income with minimal work.

The scammers draw victims in by selling a pitch that they are willing to pay good money for you to work a few hours in your own home.

Lottery and competition scams

Lottery and competition scams consist of the scammer telling you that you have won a prize. The scammers will tell you that you have won something substantial and all you have to do is send them money to claim the prize.

Mobile phone scams

Mobile phone scams come to you through missed calls and text messages. Scammers will call or text you and when you call the number back or reply to a text you have signed up for some type of service that you may not want. Often you would have an increased phone bill as well.

Money transfer requests often promise huge rewards or what looks like an easy way to make money. Regardless of what the scammer tells you, you should be very cautious about sending money to someone you don't know.

Remember that once you send money to someone, it can be very difficult even impossible to get it back—especially if they are based overseas.

Here are some tips to help protect yourself from scams:

• If it looks too good to be true—it probably is.

• Always get independent advice if an offer involves significant money, time or commitment.

• Remember there are no get-rich-quick schemes: the only people who make money are the scammers.

• Do not agree to offers or deals straight away. Tell the person that you are not interested or that you want to get some independent advice before making a decision.

• Never send money, Western Union, MoneyGram, or give credit card or online account details to anyone you do not know and trust.

• Check your bank account and credit card statements when you get them. If you see a transaction you cannot explain, report it to your credit union or bank.

• Keep your credit and ATM cards safe. Do not share your personal identity number with anyone.

• Do not keep any written copy of your PIN with the card.

• You can get credit report online through different websites.

If you or someone you know has been scammed you should report it to your local police department or the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office at 252-583-8201.