Attorney General Alan Wilson warns: don’t let scammers feast on your finances this Thanksgiving

(COLUMBIA, S.C.) - As Thanksgiving approaches, South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson reminds investors to be alert for scammers that are setting the table for financial fraud. Don’t let a con artist carve into your savings this holiday season.

According to the North American Securities Administrators Association’s (NASAA) 2025 Enforcement Report, scams involving digital assets, social media, and impersonation remain among the top threats this year. Artificial intelligence (AI) has made it easier for criminals to cook up convincing deceptions. Fraudsters can clone voices, generate fake videos, and impersonate trusted individuals or institutions, all to mislead victims into sharing personal information, transferring funds, or granting access to accounts or devices. These scams are increasingly sophisticated and can be financially devastating for victims and their loved ones.

“Scammers are serving up more convincing schemes than ever before,” said Attorney General Wilson. “Before you hand over your hard-earned money, take a moment to verify who you’re dealing with. A quick check can keep your savings off the fraudster’s menu.”

The Securities Division of the Attorney General’s Office encourages investors to follow these steps to help keep their finances safe.

Check the ingredients: Always verify that any investment professional or firm is properly registered in your state or province. You can search for your investment adviser or broker-dealer agent here, or contact the Attorney General’s Office.

Don’t bite too fast: Be cautious with unsolicited investment offers, especially those shared through social media, texts, or messaging apps.

Avoid the pressure cooker: If someone’s pushing you to “act now,” that’s a red flag. Real opportunities don’t come with an expiration timer, and remember that if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Pass along the warning: Attorney General Wilson asks anyone who suspects a scam or has been the victim of financial fraud to contact the Securities Division of the Attorney General’s Office by calling 803-734-9916 or by emailing [email protected].  Investors can submit a complaint or request an investor protection speaker by visiting the Attorney General’s Office website at InformedInvestorSC.com.

You can learn more about investment frauds and how to protect yourself by visiting InformedInvestorSC.com  and NASAA’s investor education resources center.