An Upstate sheriff’s office is warning residents to be on the lookout for a group known as the Travellers that may be back in the area looking for people to scam. The Greenwood County Sheriff’s Office posted a warning on Facebook Monday saying deputies learned on Sunday that the Travelers may be back in the area. Though often spelled Travelers in media, the traditional spelling is Travellers.“The scams that they are known for are painting driveways, and/or painting barns where they will use very little paint and a lot of thinner,” the post said. “Other scams that they are known for are imposter burglaries. Other scams could involve being lured outside while person/or persons attempt to enter your residence to take your valuables, also known as carpet or rug salesmen, while one of them will hold up the rug, the other one will go behind it and take your valuables.”Previous story: Two Travelers accused of scamming elderly in the UpstateThough there is much debate over the origin of the Travellers, many experts say they are descendants of Irish traders and tin smiths who immigrated to America about 150 years ago. Those who live in Travellers villages tend to keep old traditions, including women marrying in their teens to partners who are often related to them in some way, even first or second cousins. Some older members of the communities still speak a language derived from Gaelic called Cant. The number of Travellers estimated to live in various settlements across the United State ranges from 10,000 to 40,000. More than 2,000 Travellers live in Murphy Village, the largest settlement of its type. It is in North Augusta, just past Interstate 20 in Aiken County. The upscale community is a mix of doublewides, modest homes and McMansions, some with sweeping driveways and entrance gates on large lots. Though some Travellers have been prosecuted for minor crimes over the years, South Carolina Attorney General Beth Drake said 52 Travelers pleaded guilty in 2017 to criminal conspiracy to commit racketeering. Court records said the charges involved millions of dollars’ worth of car and life insurance purchases, federal food stamps and Medicaid fraud, federal income tax refunds and credits, and money laundering. Officials said to be on the lookout for indications that the Travellers may have targeted you, including: Asking for directionsActing as if they are ill and need assistance or waterAsking to use the telephoneAsking if your home is for saleInquiring about neighborsAsking about property lineTravelers often target the elderly the Sheriff’s Office warned, because:They are usually home during the dayThey are often aloneThey grew up in an era of less crime and are usually more trustingMost times the victim is not able to remember the descriptions to identify themThe sheriff’s office Facebook post said, “Anyone having contact with person or persons attempting any of these or any other scams should not open the door and should call 911 immediately."