Scammers Impersonating Government Officials and Financial Experts on the Rise in South Carolina

Strategic Insights -

As Halloween approaches, South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson is warning the public to stay alert for scammers impersonating government officials, law enforcement, or financial experts. According to the 2025 Enforcement Report from the North American Securities Administrators Association (NASAA), scams involving digital assets, social media, and impersonation are among the top threats this year, with artificial intelligence (AI) making it easier for criminals to create convincing fakes.

Key Takeaways:

  • The North American Securities Administrators Association (NASAA) has reported that scams involving digital assets, social media, and impersonation are among the top threats in 2025.
  • Artificial intelligence (AI) is being used by scammers to create convincing fakes, including cloned voices, fake videos, and impersonated trusted individuals or organizations.
  • The Securities Division of the Attorney General's Office has reported cases of scammers impersonating financial experts and government officials, including a recent case where a suspect traveled across the country to collect hundreds of thousands of dollars from a victim who believed they were investing in cryptocurrency.
  • The "pig butchering" scheme is a growing threat, in which criminals build trust with victims before luring them into fraudulent investments.
  • Scammers are using various tactics, including unsolicited offers, high-pressure sales tactics, and fake investment opportunities, to deceive victims.
  • The Attorney General's Office is offering tips to protect individuals from investment fraud, including verifying the registration of investment professionals and firms, being skeptical of unsolicited offers, and reporting suspicious activity.
  • According to the NASAA 2025 Enforcement Report, scams involving digital assets, social media, and impersonation are among the top threats in 2025.
  • The Securities Division of the Attorney General's Office has received reports of over 100 cases of investment fraud in the past year.
  • Over $750,000 has been recovered from victims of investment fraud in the past two years.
  • The Attorney General's Office has established a website, InformedInvestorSC.com, for investors to submit complaints or request a speaker on investor protection.

Statistics:

  • Scams involving digital assets, social media, and impersonation are among the top threats in 2025, according to the NASAA 2025 Enforcement Report.
  • Over 100 cases of investment fraud have been reported to the Securities Division of the Attorney General's Office in the past year.
  • Over $750,000 has been recovered from victims of investment fraud in the past two years.
  • The Attorney General's Office has received reports of scammers impersonating government officials, law enforcement, and financial experts.

Sources:

  • North American Securities Administrators Association (NASAA). (2025). 2025 Enforcement Report.
  • Office of the South Carolina Attorney General. (2025). Press Release: Don't be fooled by masks or disguises.
  • Securities Division of the Attorney General's Office. (2025). Tips to protect yourself from investment fraud.
  • InformedInvestorSC.com. (2025). Investor Protection Speakers.