CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - The Charleston Police Department is investigating five cases of scammers targeting elderly people.

Police said the victims, who are between the ages of 61 and 85, were contacted by phone and manipulated into sending money. Three out of the five were directed to local Bitcoin ATMs while the scam caller stayed on the phone line to guide large transfers.

This resulted in the elderly residents losing between $7,000 - $10,000.

Scam callers use several tactics to create a false emergency or a sense of urgency to provoke panic, such as:

Claiming a loved one is in jail and needs bail.

Stating there is a warrant for your arrest that can be cleared by paying a fine.

Alleging that your identity, bank account, or devices have been compromised.

Informing you that you ha

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