Attorney General Alan Wilson warns of scammers offering tricks, not treats, this Halloween

Don’t be fooled by masks or disguises

(COLUMBIA, S.C.) (October 30, 2025) – 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. Fraudsters can now clone voices, generate fake videos, and impersonate trusted individuals or organizations. This all results in tricking victims into sharing personal information, transferring money, or granting remote access to devices. These scams are increasingly polished, personalized, and difficult to detect until after significant losses occur.

Even more concerning are reports of in-person scams. In a recent case, investigators arrested a suspect who traveled across the country to collect hundreds of thousands of dollars from a victim who believed they were investing in cryptocurrency. The case is part of a growing “pig butchering” scheme in which criminals build trust with victims before luring them into fraudulent investments. Other reports describe so-called “gold traders” or “bankers” who contact victims online, build rapport, and later arrive 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 offers the following tips to protect yourself from investment fraud:

• Verify before you invest: Check the registration of investment professionals and firms at brokercheck.finra.org, or by calling our office at 803-734-9916.
• Be skeptical of unsolicited offers: Scammers often use social media or messaging apps to lure victims.
• Don’t rush: High-pressure tactics are a red flag.
• Report suspicious activity: Attorney General Wilson asks anyone with suspicions of possible investment 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.