Scam: Don't buy that fake Best Of plaque

A fake plaque company not affiliated with The Sumter Item is continuing to scam people in Clarendon and Sumter counties by impersonating representatives of The Sumter Item's Best Of readers' choice contests.

The most recent scam takes the form of an email congratulating someone for winning Best of Clarendon and mentioning the magazine that The Item published. It then offers a commemorative plaque for purchase.

All our Best of Clarendon and Best of Sumter winners have already been contacted and have already been recognized. Do not buy a plaque from anyone. We give every winner a plaque for free. We held our Best of Clarendon red carpet banquet on May 16, and the Best of Sumter event was held April 25.

We appreciate everyone's involvement in these fun, friendly competitions highlighting all the great people and things in the area, and we love seeing all the community support and celebration it brings! If you have any questions, please contact your sales representative or our office at (803) 774-1258.