Beware of Scams: 3 Tips to Keep You Safe This Summer

Unfortunately, there are always people looking to take advantage of others. Whether it's fraudsters looking to get your personal information or calls for help that ask you to send money immediately, it’s always a good reminder to stop and think about the calls or emails you may be receiving. While they may appear legitimate, the reality is most times they are not. 

The State Treasurer’s Office is an advocate of the people, supporting programs that encourage saving, as well as returning lost funds to citizens, businesses, schools and others. We won’t be calling you to say you owe money to us. We want to share a few helpful reminders as the summertime heat may attract some unscrupulous behaviors.

• If you get a call from anyone saying they are with a state agency and asking you to send them money to settle a debt, don’t take the bait! Hang up immediately and call the agency the scammer posed as to let them know about the scam.
  
  
• Never give out your financial information, such as bank account information or credit card numbers. Debt collectors are required to follow federal regulations and will send you a letter, not call you on the phone.
  
  
• And don’t believe those imposters who call asking you to verify information. They will try to get your personal or banking information to “reverse a fraudulent charge or an overdraft” of your account. Hang up and call your bank or credit card company directly. Financial institutions typically communicate problems with your account by letter. Even if you opt-in for text or email alerts, the bank will not be calling you to get payments over the phone.

The SC Department of Consumer Affairs works to protect consumers from scams. Visit them online at consumer.sc.gov for more helpful tips or call toll-free 1-800-922-1594.