Protecting South Carolina Seniors from Romance Scams
Romance scams are among the most emotionally devastating forms of fraud targeting older adults. In 2025, 215 South Carolina seniors reported romance scam complaints to the FBI. These scams exploit loneliness and the desire for connection, draining victims of their savings while leaving deep emotional wounds.
Why South Carolina Seniors Are Especially Vulnerable
South Carolina’s demographics and culture create specific risk factors for romance scams:
- Top retirement destination: South Carolina’s warm climate and low taxes attract retirees from across the country, concentrating wealthy targets
- Military communities: Joint Base Charleston, Fort Jackson, and other installations bring military retirees targeted by VA impersonation scams
- Southern hospitality: South Carolina’s warm culture makes seniors more likely to engage with and trust unknown callers
- Rural Lowcountry: Rural areas of the Lowcountry and Upstate have limited access to in-person tech support and consumer protection
- Coastal resort communities: Retirees in Myrtle Beach, Hilton Head, and other resort areas may be targeted through timeshare and real estate scams
5-Year Trend: Romance Scam Losses in South Carolina (2021–2025)
| Year | Victims (60+) | Losses | YoY Change |
| 2021 | 112 | $4.7M | — |
| 2022 | 141 | $6.3M | +33% |
| 2023 | 133 | $8.9M | +42% |
| 2024 | 178 | $9.4M | +6% |
| 2025 | 215 | $9.7M | +2% |
| 5-Year Total | 779 | $39.0M | +105% |
Source: FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) Annual Reports, 2021–2025. Victims and losses for South Carolina residents aged 60 and older.
South Carolina ranks #20 nationally in romance scam losses targeting seniors, with $9.7 million lost in 2025 across 215 reported victims. That represents 1.6% of all U.S. romance scam losses against older adults. Year over year, losses changed +2%, outperforming the national average of +46%. Over the full five-year period, romance scam losses in South Carolina grew +105%.
Complete guide: For detailed warning signs, protection strategies, and what to do if you’ve been targeted, read our comprehensive Romance Scam Prevention Guide. You can also take our free Online Training courses to test your knowledge.
Report Romance Scams in South Carolina
- Office of the South Carolina Attorney General: (803) 734-3970 | scag.gov
- South Carolina Adult Protective Services: (888) 227-3487
- FTC: reportfraud.ftc.gov
- FBI IC3: ic3.gov
- Dating platform: Report the profile on the platform where you were contacted
Free Training Available
Take our free online course to learn more about protecting yourself from romance scams:
→ Start Romance Scam Awareness Training (Module 4)