As Halloween approaches, South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson has issued a warning to residents about an increase in scams involving impersonation and digital deception. Wilson cautioned that scammers are using advanced technology to create convincing fakes and target victims through various channels.
The 2025 Enforcement Report from the North American Securities Administrators Association (NASAA) highlights that digital asset scams, social media fraud, and impersonation are among the most significant threats this year. The report notes that artificial intelligence tools have made it easier for criminals to clone voices, generate fake videos, and pose as trusted individuals or organizations. These tactics are used to deceive people into sharing personal information, transferring funds, or granting remote access to their devices. As a result, these scams have become more sophisticated and harder to detect until after substantial losses occur.
There is also concern over in-person scams. In one recent case mentioned by investigators, a suspect traveled across the country to collect hundreds of thousands of dollars from someone who believed they were investing in cryptocurrency. This incident is part of a wider “pig butchering” scheme where scammers build trust with victims before convincing them to invest in fraudulent ventures. Other cases involve individuals posing as “gold traders” or “bankers,” contacting victims online and then arriving in person to collect cash, gold, or gift cards under false pretenses.
“An investment scam may be lurking in your text messages, phone calls, or social media accounts,” said Attorney General Wilson. “Always verify requests for money or personal information and never engage with suspected fraudsters. Even small interactions can have serious consequences. Some scammers retaliate by filing false police reports that bring law enforcement to victims’ doors.”
The Securities Division of the Attorney General’s Office has provided several tips for protecting oneself from investment fraud.
