Protecting South Carolina Seniors from Investment Scams
Investment fraud is the costliest scam type targeting American seniors, and South Carolina is no exception. In 2025, 262 South Carolina seniors aged 60 and older reported investment scam complaints to the FBI. With total elder fraud losses in the state reaching $97.3 million, protecting retirement savings has never been more critical.
Why South Carolina Seniors Are Especially Vulnerable
Several factors unique to South Carolina put seniors at heightened risk for investment fraud:
- 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: Investment Scam Losses in South Carolina (2021–2025)
| Year | Victims (60+) | Losses | YoY Change |
| 2021 | 18 | $655K | — |
| 2022 | 41 | $3.4M | +416% |
| 2023 | 72 | $11.6M | +244% |
| 2024 | 131 | $10.1M | -13% |
| 2025 | 262 | $37.8M | +274% |
| 5-Year Total | 524 | $63.6M | +5678% |
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 #23 nationally in investment scam losses targeting seniors, with $37.8 million lost in 2025 across 262 reported victims. That represents 1.1% of all U.S. investment scam losses against older adults. Year over year, losses surged +274% — significantly faster than the national average of +83%. Over the full five-year period, investment scam losses in South Carolina grew +5678%.
Complete guide: For detailed warning signs, protection strategies, and what to do if you’ve been targeted, read our comprehensive Investment Scam Prevention Guide. You can also take our free Online Training courses to test your knowledge.
Report Investment Fraud in South Carolina
- Office of the South Carolina Attorney General: (803) 734-3970 | scag.gov
- SEC: sec.gov/tcr
- FINRA: (844) 574-3577 | brokercheck.finra.org
- FBI IC3: ic3.gov
Free Training Available
Take our free online course to learn more about protecting yourself from investment scams:
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