A utility scam--sweeping an upstate county, leaving multiple victims fearing for their safety and their possession.
Deputies say a group of men, posing as utility workers are luring people out of their homes, distracting them while another group sweeps in to rob the place.
Deputies report multiple cases in the Ware Shoals area of Laurens County.
It happened to William Von.
He says a surveyor lured him to the curb after a few minutes of chit chat.
"I said I'm going back to the house. He turned around in front of me {and said} 'you cant go back now!'...I said..well I'm going to the house."
He says they distracted him while they entered his home. When he returned, the men fled and he found a file cabinet broken into and doors ajar.
He showed us his pistol, and said if they come back he will "shoot em".
As many as six young men may have been involved in this scam as well as other reported ones around the county. The men were seen leaving in a white unmarked van.
The sheriffs office says legitimate workers should show you proper identification.
They say if you are approached under similar circumstances call 911 immediately.
The suspects are believed to be in their late teens to early 20's.
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