10 Scams Targeting Both Citizens and Immigrants in South Carolina This Year
Fraudsters continue to adapt their tactics, using phone calls, text messages, emails, and social media to target unsuspecting individuals. Staying informed about common schemes can help residents recognize warning signs before becoming victims.
It started with a phone call that sounded official. Minutes later, a South Carolina resident had shared personal information they thought was being requested by a government agency.
Scammers are getting better at copying trusted organizations, making it harder for both citizens and immigrants to tell the difference between a real alert and a costly trap.
According to warnings from federal and state agencies in 2026, several fraud schemes are repeatedly surfacing across South Carolina, putting residents at risk of losing money, sensitive data, or both.
Why Scam Reports Are Rising in 2026
A text message, phone call, or social media alert can now reach thousands of people in seconds. That speed has made it easier for scammers to target residents across South Carolina, regardless of age, income, or immigration status.
According to the South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs, consumers reported nearly $8.5 million in losses from scams and identity theft during 2025. The agency received 525 scam reports, with phone calls accounting for about 60% of reported scam contacts.
The trend extends beyond traditional fraud schemes. The FBI reported that South Carolinians lost more than $264 million to cybercrime in 2025, an increase of roughly $118 million from the previous year, showing how online scams continue to grow in both reach and financial impact.
1. Fake Government Calls
The caller sounds professional, knows your name, and claims there is a problem that needs immediate attention. That sense of urgency is exactly what scammers rely on.
According to the Federal Trade Commission, consumers reported nearly $2.95 billion in losses from impersonation scams in 2024, with government impersonation remaining one of the most common tactics used to steal money and personal information.
Federal agencies continue to warn that scammers often pretend to represent the IRS, Social Security Administration, or law enforcement offices. These calls can target anyone, but immigrants are frequently singled out with threats involving visas, immigration records, or deportation.
2. Immigration Service Scams
For many immigrants, a text, email, or phone call about a pending case can feel too important to ignore. Scammers exploit that uncertainty by pretending to be immigration officials or legal service providers.
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) continues to issue fraud alerts about fake case updates, counterfeit immigration forms, and individuals falsely claiming they can speed up applications or guarantee approvals.
USCIS warns that scammers often contact victims through unofficial websites, social media messages, and fraudulent emails that closely resemble legitimate government communications, making verification especially important.
3. Social Security Fraud
A message claiming there is a problem with your Social Security number can be alarming. Scammers count on that reaction and often push victims to act before verifying the information.
The Social Security Administration reported that the Federal Trade Commission received more than 330,000 government impersonation complaints in 2025, a 25% increase from the previous year. SSA remains one of the agencies most frequently used in these fraud schemes. Source: Social Security Administration and Office of the Inspector General.
Some scammers threaten benefit suspensions, while others request personal details or immediate payments. The SSA warns that legitimate officials do not call unexpectedly to demand money, gift cards, cryptocurrency, or sensitive account information.
4. Tax Refund Scams
The promise of a larger refund can make almost anyone stop and pay attention. Scammers know that tax season creates urgency, especially when people are expecting money back.
The FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center reported receiving more than 1,000 complaints tied to tax-return identity theft in the past year, marking a 26% increase from the previous year. Criminals often use stolen personal information to file fraudulent returns and claim refunds before the real taxpayer files.
The IRS included refund fraud and identity theft on its 2026 "Dirty Dozen" scam list, warning that fake refund offers, phishing messages, and fraudulent tax claims remain common threats.
5. Employment Offer Scams
A job offer arriving unexpectedly can seem like a welcome opportunity. In many cases, however, the goal is to collect personal information or convince applicants to send money.
According to the Federal Trade Commission, reported losses from job scams reached $501 million in 2024, compared with $90 million in 2020, highlighting the rapid growth of employment-related fraud.
Many schemes involve fake recruiters, remote-work positions, or requests for upfront payments for equipment, training, or background checks before any real employment exists.
6. Rental Listing Scams
The photos look real, the rent seems reasonable, and the landlord is eager to close the deal. Then the deposit is sent, and the listing suddenly disappears.
The Federal Trade Commission reported that consumers have filed nearly 65,000 rental scam reports since 2020, with reported losses reaching about $65 million. Many of these scams involve fake online listings that copy photos and details from legitimate properties.
FTC analysis found that about half of reported rental scams in the year ending June 2025 began with a fake Facebook listing. Young adults were especially vulnerable, with people ages 18 to 29 being three times more likely than other age groups to report losing money.
7. Utility Payment Scams
Few messages create panic faster than a warning that the electricity or water service is about to be shut off. Scammers use that pressure to convince people to pay before checking whether the threat is real.
Utilities United Against Scams, a national coalition of utility providers, says impostor utility scams continue to target customers across the country through phone calls, text messages, emails, and even in-person visits. The group notes that scammers frequently demand immediate payment to avoid service disconnection.
The broader problem is part of a growing impersonation scam trend. The Federal Trade Commission received more than 1 million imposter scam reports in 2025, with reported losses climbing to $3.5 billion. Utility scammers often pose as representatives of electric, gas, or water companies and demand payment through gift cards, cryptocurrency, or payment apps.
8. Bank Account Alerts
The message appears legitimate and may even include the name of a real bank. Its purpose is often to create panic and convince recipients to click a link or share account credentials.
The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation warns that criminals increasingly use fake fraud alerts, spoofed phone numbers, and fraudulent banking websites to obtain login details, debit card numbers, and security codes.
These scams frequently claim that suspicious activity has been detected on an account, pushing consumers to act quickly before taking time to verify the alert through official banking channels.
9. Package Delivery Scams
You're expecting a package, and a text suddenly claims there's a delivery problem. For many people, that message feels routine enough to trust.
According to the Federal Trade Commission, fake package delivery problems were the most reported text scam in 2024. These messages often impersonate USPS or other delivery companies and direct recipients to fake websites designed to collect payment details and personal information.
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service continues to warn consumers about "smishing" campaigns that use delivery alerts, missed-package notices, or address verification requests. Once a victim clicks the link, scammers may attempt to steal financial data, passwords, or identity information.
10. Online Marketplace Fraud
A deal that looks too good to pass up can quickly turn into a costly mistake. Online marketplace scams often involve fake sellers, counterfeit products, or items that never arrive after payment is sent.
According to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center, non-payment and non-delivery scams generated more than 50,000 complaints in 2025, making them one of the most frequently reported internet crimes. Many cases began through online marketplaces and person-to-person selling platforms.
The Federal Trade Commission also warns that marketplace fraud frequently occurs when buyers are asked to pay outside a platform's protected payment system. Once money is sent through wire transfers, gift cards, or payment apps, recovering those funds can be difficult or impossible.
Why These Scams Work
Most scams do not succeed because people are careless. They work because scammers are skilled at creating situations that feel urgent, emotional, or time-sensitive.
The Federal Trade Commission notes that impersonation scams often rely on fear, while other schemes use excitement, curiosity, or the promise of financial gain. These tactics are designed to push people into making quick decisions before verifying the information.
Technology has also made fraud more convincing. Fake caller IDs, realistic websites, cloned social media accounts, and AI-generated messages can make a scam appear legitimate, increasing the chances that both citizens and immigrants will engage before recognizing the warning signs.
Who Is Most at Risk
Scammers do not limit their targets to one age group or community. Anyone with a phone, email account, bank account, or internet connection can become a potential victim.
Federal Trade Commission data shows that younger adults are often more likely to report losing money to fraud, while older adults frequently experience higher financial losses when scams succeed.
New immigrants, job seekers, renters, students, and people facing financial pressure may encounter additional risks because scammers often tailor their messages around immigration paperwork, employment opportunities, housing needs, or government benefits.
What South Carolina Residents Should Do
Checklist for Residents
Verify unexpected calls, texts, or emails through an official website or phone number
Never share Social Security numbers, banking details, or passwords with unknown contacts
Be cautious of messages that create pressure to act immediately
Research companies, landlords, recruiters, and service providers before sending money
Avoid payments requested through gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers
Enable multi-factor authentication on important online accounts
Monitor bank and credit card statements for unfamiliar transactions
Report suspected scams to the Federal Trade Commission, local law enforcement, or the appropriate government agency
The information on this page is for general informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. Immigration laws and policies change frequently. Always consult a licensed immigration attorney or accredited representative before making any immigration decisions.
Last Updated: [28 June 2026] — This article reflects information available as of [28 June 2026]. Policies may have changed. Check USCIS.gov for the most current guidance.
