SC Consumers Report $2.25 Million in Losses to Scams So Far in 2026

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Scams cost South Carolina consumers more than $2.25 million in the first six months of 2026. Consumers filed 272 scam reports with the South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs (SCDCA) from January 1 to June 30. Some of the information tracked during that time includes:

The sum of actual losses reported was $2,254,523.
The top three types of scams: Purchase (20%), Debt Collection (14%) and Crime/Warrant (11%).
Top three counties for scam reports: Richland (13.24%), Greenville (8.82%) and Horry (8.09%).
Approximately 28 percent of those filing a scam report did not provide their age when filing. The largest groups of people that provided their ages were 65-74 year-olds (20.96%), 75-84 year-olds (14.34%) and 55-64 year-olds (11.03%).
Nearly 56 percent of consumers who reported scams were contacted by phone.
Consumers reported 22 scams involving cryptocurrency with losses totaling $318,488.

There are common red flags to spot a scam. Scammers PRETEND to be someone you know or recognize. They say there’s a PROBLEM OR A PRIZE and PRESSURE you to act now. Scammers demand that you PAY in a specific way. That’s usually cryptocurrency, gift cards, wire transfers or payment apps.

SCDCA will offer a free webinar on Wednesday, August 12 at 10:30 a.m. to discuss the top types of scams reported and common scam tactics. Register here to watch/listen from any computer or smartphone.

Download Ditch the Pitch (PDF), SCDCA's guide to guarding against scams for more information on how to spot a scam. Consumers are encouraged to report scams by calling (800) 922-1594 or visiting consumer.sc.gov and click the How Do I… button, then Report a Scam or Report Identity Theft.

About SCDCA

Established in 1974, DCA has more than fifty years of experience in protecting South Carolina consumers while recognizing those businesses that act honestly and fairly. Cultivating a marketplace comprised of well-informed consumers and businesses prevents deceptive and unfair business practices, allows legitimate business activity to flourish, resulting in the promotion of competition and a healthier economy.

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