Crooks use clever schemes to defraud millions of people every year. They often combine sophisticated technology with age-old tricks to get people to send money or give out personal information. They add new twists to old schemes and pressure people to make important decisions on the spot. One thing that never changes: they follow Headlines—and the money. 

Common Scams

• Beware of Disaster Scams (PDF) - Protect yourself from shady deals offered after natural disasters.
   
• "Credit Alert" Phishing E-mails (PDF) - SCDCA warns consumers about phishing emails that appear to be coming from credit bureaus. 
   
• ID Theft: Income Tax Fraud - Take these steps to protect yourself from income tax fraud. 
   
• Nigerian E-mail Scam (PDF) - Get the facts on one of the oldest financial scams and learn how to protect yourself from it. 
   
• Scam Alert: Hotel Scammers Have Checked In (PDF) - SCDCA warns consumers about a common scam targeting hotel guests.
   
• Work from Home Scams (PDF)

Tips to Avoid Scams

• Be on the Look Out for Fake Rental Listings (PDF) - Looking for the perfect vacation rental? Exercise caution in your search for a place to stay with these tips.

• Ditch the Pitch (PDF) - A guide to guarding against scams. Includes common scams "pitches," red flags and what to do if you gave your information to a scammer.

• Telephone Scams (PDF) - Here are ways consumers can spot and recognize telephone scams and learn how not to be a victim. 

• Don't Get Hooked By Dating Scams (PDF) - Exercise caution when communication with strangers on the internet. Consumers can be take advantage of by far away lovers that claim to be "strapped for cash."

• Phishing Scams (PDF) - Don't take the bait! Learn how to recognize and avoid bogus emails designed to get you to give up personal information.

• Protect Yourself from Tax Time Predators (PDF) - Filing taxes can be a daunting task and scam artist can make it even more difficult. No matter what method you choose, follow these tips and make filing less taxing.

• Scams Popping up on Twitter (YouTube Video)

• Secret Shopper Scams (YouTube Video)

• Tax Time Safety Tips (PDF)

• Tax Rebate Scams Aims to Steal your Money, Identity (YouTube Video)