As Halloween approaches, South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson is urging residents to be cautious of scams involving individuals impersonating government officials, law enforcement, or financial professionals.
A recent report from the North American Securities Administrators Association (NASAA) highlights that digital asset fraud, social media schemes, and impersonation are among the most prevalent threats in 2025. The report notes that advances in artificial intelligence have made it easier for criminals to produce convincing fake voices and videos, increasing the difficulty for victims to recognize fraudulent activity until after losses occur. These scams often involve tricking people into giving away personal information, sending money, or allowing remote access to their devices.
There has also been an increase in reports of in-person scams. In one instance cited by investigators, a suspect was arrested after traveling across the country to collect large sums of money from a victim who believed they were making a legitimate cryptocurrency investment. This type of scheme is part of what authorities refer to as “pig butchering,” where scammers build trust with their targets before encouraging them to invest in fraudulent opportunities. Other cases involve individuals posing as “gold traders” or “bankers,” contacting victims online and later arriving in person to collect cash or valuables under false pretenses.
“An investment scam may be lurking in your text messages, phone calls, or social media accounts,” said Attorney General Wilson. “Always verify requests for money or personal information and never engage with suspected fraudsters. Even small interactions can have serious consequences. Some scammers retaliate by filing false police reports that bring law enforcement to victims’ doors.”
The Securities Division within the Attorney General’s Office recommends that individuals remain vigilant against investment fraud and carefully verify any requests for sensitive information.
