Senior Scam Prevention & Fraud Resources in South Carolina
I. Overview: South Carolina’s Senior Population & Key Cities
South Carolina has an estimated population of 5.4 million as of 2024, with over 1.1 million residents aged 65 and older, representing 20.4% of the state’s population — one of the highest senior proportions in the U.S. With a growing retiree population and an influx of older adults relocating to the Southeast, South Carolina’s seniors are increasingly targeted by online and phone-based scams.
The largest cities in the state — each with a high senior population and frequent fraud reports — are:
- Charleston (approx. 160,000 people)
- Columbia (approx. 137,000 people)
- North Charleston (approx. 118,000 people)
These cities report growing cases of phishing, Medicare fraud, fake tech support, and government impersonation scams. Fast action, trusted reporting, and public awareness are critical to protect older South Carolinians.
II. 2024 Victim Report: How Scammers Targeted South Carolina’s Seniors
In 2024, South Carolina had 2,293 victims aged 60+ who reported losses totaling $58,581,997.
Loss by Crime Type
| Crime Type | Loss Amount |
| Investment | $10,104,223 |
| Tech Support | $9,882,942 |
| Government Impersonation | $9,134,309 |
| Romance | $9,447,981 |
III. Emergency & Official Contacts
Local Police Departments – Elder Fraud & Financial Crimes
1. Charleston Police Department – Economic Crimes Unit
- Phone: (843) 577-7434 (non-emergency)
- Website: www.charleston-sc.gov
- Tip: Request Financial Crimes Division or ask to report elder-targeted scams.
2. Columbia Police Department – Investigative Division
- Phone: (803) 545-3500 (non-emergency)
- Website: www.columbiapd.net
- Ask for help with scam reports or elder abuse cases.
3. North Charleston Police Department – Fraud Unit
- Phone: (843) 740-2800 (non-emergency)
- Website: www.northcharleston.org
- Tip: Ask for Economic Crimes or Elder Services.
FBI & Federal Reporting Resources
FBI Columbia Field Office (covers South Carolina)
- Phone: (803) 551-4200
- Website: www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices/columbia
Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)
- Website: www.ic3.gov
- Use to report elder-targeted online scams including phishing, romance fraud, or identity theft.
South Carolina Attorney General – Elder Fraud & Consumer Protection
South Carolina Attorney General – Securities & Elder Investment Fraud Division
- Consumer Fraud Hotline: (803) 734-4200
- Website: www.scag.gov
- Handles elder financial fraud, consumer complaints, and legal actions against scammers.
Statewide Elder Support & Medicare Fraud Services
South Carolina Adult Protective Services (APS)
- To report abuse, neglect, or exploitation of seniors:
APS 24/7 Hotline: (888) 227-3487 - Website: www.dss.sc.gov
- Select “Adult Protection” for more information by county.
South Carolina Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP)
- Phone: (800) 868-9095
- Website: www.scaccesshelp.org
- Assists with preventing, identifying, and reporting Medicare fraud and medical identity theft.
Lt. Governor’s Office on Aging / State Unit on Aging
- Aging Info Line: (800) 868-9095
- Website: www.aging.sc.gov
- Connects seniors to legal help, benefits, long-term care support, and fraud education programs.
Stay Safe, Stay Ahead of Scammers
- South Carolina seniors report millions in losses annually due to scams — most of which are preventable.
- Save and share these contacts with friends, family, caregivers, or church groups.
- Visit our Education Center to learn about common scams, warning signs, and recovery steps.
- If you feel uneasy about a call, email, or message — stop, verify, and report.
Share Your Story
Have you or a loved one experienced a scam, or stopped one just in time? Your story could help protect someone else.
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