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A 75-year-old South Carolina man with Parkinson's disease and a brain injury allegedly had his home transferred to his caregiver for $5 through a quitclaim deed after the caregiver obtained power of attorney, with the daughter claiming the vulnerable father may not have understood what he signed and that money subsequently moved from his bank account to the caregiver even after his death. The case highlights elder financial exploitation and the importance of monitoring property records and financial accounts for unauthorized changes, as the allegations involve potential undue influence rather than forged documents. Conway police are investigating the matter, though the allegations have not been proven in court.

A 75-year-old South Carolina man with Parkinson's disease and a brain injury had his home transferred to his caregiver via quitclaim deed for $5, along with significant unauthorized bank transfers, after the caregiver obtained power of attorney and allegedly isolated him from family. This case of alleged elder financial exploitation highlights the risks of undue influence and coercion targeting vulnerable seniors, where a caregiver exploited the victim's cognitive decline. The FBI warns that such quitclaim deed fraud can involve forged documents or manipulation by close associates, and recommends families monitor property records and enroll in free county title alerts to detect suspicious ownership changes early.

A South Carolina man used AI-generated images and voice-changing technology to catfish a victim into getting engaged, exploiting deepfake technology to impersonate someone in a romantic relationship. The perpetrator deceived the victim into believing they were engaged to a person they had never met in person and allegedly convinced them to lend out a vehicle based on the fraudulent relationship.

An Athens man was catfished by 25-year-old Caleb Jonquay Mills of South Carolina, who created a fake persona of a Florida sheriff's deputy named Hailey Morello using stolen photographs, fake social media accounts, voice-changing technology, and multiple phone numbers to deceive the victim into believing they were engaged. Police suspect Mills may have been secretly living inside the victim's apartment without his knowledge while he was at work, and the victim reportedly sent money to the fraudster before the scheme was discovered in July 2026. Mills was arrested on charges including identity fraud, impersonating a public officer, and making false statements to law enforcement.

A caregaker named Sarah Smalls exploited a 75-year-old South Carolina man with Parkinson's and a brain injury by obtaining power of attorney, transferring his home deed to herself for $5, and moving into his house after his death, leaving the victim's daughter Nora to discover the scheme and pursue a civil lawsuit to recover assets. According to AARP, elder financial exploitation affects victims over 60 to the tune of $28.3 billion annually in the U.S., with 72% of cases perpetrated by someone known to the victim, though such abuse remains severely underreported and victims face significant difficulty obtaining restitution.

A caretaker named Sarah Smalls, hired to care for 75-year-old Robert Rowland in South Carolina, exploited her position by having him moved to a senior facility, gaining power of attorney, transferring his home deed to herself for $5, and withdrawing money from his accounts—ultimately moving into his house after his death and leaving no trace of him. When Robert's daughter Nora discovered the scheme and broke in through a window to investigate, she was arrested for trespassing while Smalls accused her of breaking in, forcing Nora to pursue a civil lawsuit to recover her father's assets. This case exemplifies elder financial exploitation, which affects seniors over 60 who collectively lose

AnMed Health, a nonprofit health system in South Carolina and Georgia, confirmed that cybercriminals stole patient and corporate data in a July cyberattack, with the ransomware gang The Gentlemen claiming to have obtained 6 terabytes of information including mental health, sexual assault, reproductive care, genetic testing, and cancer records. The organization is warning patients to avoid falling victim to follow-up fraud schemes and to report any unexpected communications claiming involvement with AnMed to law enforcement, while it conducts a comprehensive independent review to determine what information was actually compromised.

A South Carolina man in Sun City Hilton Head lost over $800,000 in a romance scam that evolved into a cryptocurrency investment fraud scheme spanning approximately one year. The scammers built trust through an online romantic relationship before introducing fake cryptocurrency investment opportunities on fraudulent platforms designed to display fabricated account balances and profits. The scheme employed common tactics including permitting small early withdrawals to establish credibility, then encouraging larger deposits with promises of increasingly lucrative returns before preventing victims from accessing their funds.

A South Carolina Supreme Court judge highlighted that human trafficking convictions in India remain critically low at 5-10%, calling for comprehensive anti-trafficking legislation, stronger victim protection mechanisms, and better law enforcement coordination. The judge noted that trafficking methods have evolved to include cyber fraud and online scams, with syndicates using phishing, malware, identity theft, and pig butchering schemes to exploit victims. The conference brought together 500 delegates from across Telangana to address procedural delays, witness intimidation, and inadequate evidence collection that contribute to poor conviction rates and to advance survivor-centered rehabilitation and justice.

Mount Pleasant, South Carolina has experienced a significant surge in fraud cases, with 213 reported incidents so far in 2026 and one case involving a loss exceeding $4 million, particularly targeting seniors and vulnerable populations. Police emphasize that legitimate banks and law enforcement will never request payment via gift cards or cryptocurrency, and they urge anyone suspecting they're being scammed to report it immediately to local authorities. To protect yourself, remain skeptical of unsolicited requests for payment, verify caller identities directly through official channels, and never provide personal or financial information to unknown parties.

Mount Pleasant, South Carolina has seen a surge in cryptocurrency and payment scams, with police investigating over 130 fraud cases this year resulting in more than $2.5 million in losses to residents. Scammers typically pose as law enforcement, claiming victims missed jury duty or court dates and demand immediate payment via cryptocurrency, gift cards, or in-person courier pickup—methods chosen because funds are transferred instantly and irretrievably. Police advise residents to hang up and independently verify any such claims before responding, and to remember that legitimate agencies never request payment through cryptocurrency, gift cards, or courier services.

Congresswoman Nancy Mace has focused her work in Congress on protecting South Carolina seniors through legislation against fraud and exploitation, tax relief measures, and resolving over 1,000 constituent cases that recovered more than $1.5 million in benefits. Senior citizens affected by bureaucratic delays or benefit issues can contact their congressional representative's office for assistance in navigating federal agencies and recovering owed funds. The article emphasizes the importance of having responsive representation to address seniors' concerns and ensure they retain the benefits and tax advantages they've earned.

South Carolina residents lost $264 million to cybercrime in 2024, more than double the $146 million lost in 2023, with seniors aged 60 and older suffering the largest financial impact at $97.3 million. The most common scams were investment fraud, business email compromises, and tech support scams. The FBI recommends residents adopt strong cybersecurity practices, resist pressure to act quickly in online transactions, and report suspected fraud to help law enforcement track and stop these crimes.

A manager at a South Carolina Food Lion stopped a woman from becoming a victim in a scam. The Richland County Sheriff's Department said that on Feb. 11 at approximately 5 p.m., deputies were called t...

Romance scams are increasingly common, with 1 in 7 American adults reporting they've lost money to online dating fraud, with losses ranging from under $500 for younger victims to over $5,000 for adults aged 35-44. Scammers build trust through frequent online communication before requesting money through various payment methods like wire transfers, gift cards, or cryptocurrency. To protect yourself, never send money to someone you haven't met in person, watch for red flags like requests for financial information early in conversations, and report suspected scams to the FBI.

Scammers are targeting seniors and veterans in South Carolina's Upstate region by using stolen Medicare numbers to bill them for medical equipment they never ordered, with fake bills sometimes charging thousands of dollars. One veteran received a bill for nearly $7,000 in urinary catheters from a Texas company he'd never contacted, and the Oconee County Sheriff's Office has received around five similar complaints. To protect yourself, treat your Medicare number with the same security as your Social Security number or bank account information, and report any suspicious bills to local authorities immediately.

# Romance Scams on the Rise in Berkeley County Scammers are increasingly using dating apps and social media to prey on people by posing as romantic interests, building emotional connections quickly before requesting money, gift cards, or personal financial information under false pretenses like emergencies or investments. Residents in Berkeley County, South Carolina, are being warned to watch for red flags such as vague personal stories, refusal to video chat, pressure to keep relationships secret, and urgent requests for money. To protect themselves, people should never send money or gift cards to online-only contacts, verify identities independently, and report suspicious activity immediately to local law enforcement or the Federal Trade Commission.

# Holiday Season Fraud Warning As holiday shopping and travel season peaks, the South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs warns that scammers are increasing their fraudulent schemes targeting busy consumers. Common holiday scams include various travel and shopping cons that can compromise personal information and financial security. To protect yourself, the SCDCA recommends staying vigilant during holiday activities, attending their free webinar "Guard Your Wallet on the Road," and downloading their free guide "Ditch the Pitch" for practical tips on avoiding scams.

A scam impersonated the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV) via text messages, falsely claiming the recipient owed fines for toll violations or unpaid tickets—a service SCDMV does not provide through texts. The victim also reported receiving a separate fraudulent call from an unknown number claiming an unauthorized charge had been made on a Bank of America debit card they did not own, requesting they call an 800 number to verify. The victim avoided falling victim to both scams by recognizing the suspicious contact methods and reported the incidents to Horry County Police, who resolved the matter.

The South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs warns consumers of a barcode scam in which fraudsters impersonate law enforcement or utility company employees and send barcodes to victims, demanding they load money onto gift cards, prepaid cards, cryptocurrency, or e-cash at retail stores like Walgreens, Walmart, or CVS under threat of arrest or service disconnection. The agency advises that legitimate law enforcement and utility personnel never request payments via barcodes sent to stores, and recommends consumers watch for red flags including impersonation of trusted entities, claims of problems or prizes, pressure to act immediately, and requests for untraceable payment methods.

AARP South Carolina promotes fraud prevention awareness, particularly targeting seniors who are frequently victimized by scammers seeking financial information. The article highlights that 40% of reported scams are credit-related, with common tactics including phishing and spoofing emails that impersonate legitimate businesses like Amazon or financial institutions. Red flags to identify scams include unofficial email addresses, grammatical errors, and requests for immediate sensitive information.

The FBI warned South Carolina residents of a rising government impersonation scam in which criminals spoof FBI phone numbers, including the Columbia field office's main line, and threaten victims with arrest or prosecution for missed jury duty or warrants to extort money or personal information. Scammers use follow-up calls to pressure victims into withdrawing cash and converting it to cryptocurrency at kiosks to avoid fines. The FBI advises never providing personal information to unknown callers, refusing all payment requests via gift cards or cryptocurrency, and independently verifying any calls by hanging up and contacting the local field office directly.

The city of Inman, South Carolina fell victim to a payment fraud scam in which officials mistakenly paid an unknown party instead of a legitimate contractor owed money. The incident was reported to the Spartanburg County Sheriff's Office on Friday, June 20, 2025, and the sheriff's office has launched an investigation with assistance from the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) and the FBI.

A South Carolina couple, Larry Darnell Broadnax Jr. and Charmaine D. Broadnax, were arrested for stealing over $10,000 from a vulnerable adult through unauthorized Cash App transfers and checks; Broadnax Jr., acting as power of attorney, misappropriated funds for personal use while his co-defendant linked her account to the victim's bank account to withdraw an additional $10,000. Both face exploitation of vulnerable adult charges carrying up to five years in prison, with additional charges against each defendant potentially resulting in sentences up to 10 years.

Seniors are increasingly targeted in cryptocurrency scams because scammers view them as wealthy, trusting, and less technologically savvy, exploiting the irreversible nature of crypto transactions and victims' reluctance to report fraud. The FTC reports growing losses from crypto investment fraud, romance scams, and government impersonation, with seniors in Beaufort County, South Carolina alone losing over $3.1 million in 2024, while sophisticated schemes using AI voice cloning and fake websites are becoming more prevalent. Examples include British pensioners losing hundreds of thousands to romance fraud operations in Cambodia, Minnesota crypto ATM scams that cost over $189 million in 2023, and government impersonation

A rise in phone scams impersonating law enforcement has been reported in South Carolina's Midlands region, with scammers using spoofed caller IDs, real deputy names, and personal information to convince victims they owe fines for missing court dates or jury duty. Two victims—a doctor and a homeowner—nearly lost $3,000 each before recognizing the fraud, with the scammer in the first case threatening medical board reporting to create urgency. Law enforcement advises that legitimate agencies never request payment by phone or online and urges people to verify calls independently rather than trusting caller ID or acting under pressure.

South Carolina seniors over 60 were disproportionately targeted by cybercriminals in 2024, with 2,295 victims losing over $58.5 million according to the FBI's Internet Crime Report—accounting for more than a third of the state's total $146 million in reported cyber losses. The most costly scams targeting seniors included tech support scams, government impersonation schemes, and investment fraud, each resulting in nearly $10 million in losses, while confidence/romance scams accounted for approximately $3 million. Business email compromises and investment fraud were among the most prevalent cyber crimes statewide, with losses totaling $40.8 million and $

South Carolina seniors suffered disproportionately in 2024 cybercrime, with 2,295 victims over age 60 losing over $58.5 million—more than a third of the state's total $146 million in reported internet crime losses. The most costly scams targeting seniors were tech support scams, government impersonation schemes, and investment fraud, each accounting for nearly $10 million in losses, while confidence/romance scams cost seniors almost $3 million. The FBI's 2024 Internet Crime Report documented a 33% nationwide increase in cybercrime losses to over $16 billion, with extortion, phishing, and personal data breaches

Talisha Cooper, a 44-year-old tax preparer and manager of Tax Fusions in Florence, South Carolina, was indicted on 43 counts of tax fraud for knowingly filing false tax returns from 2019 through 2023. The fraudulent returns falsely claimed fuel tax credits, family and sick leave credits, employee business expenses, and Schedule C business profits or losses, resulting in a total loss of $374,349. Cooper faces up to three years in federal prison and fines upon conviction.

In 2024, scammers targeted elderly residents and visitors in Beaufort County, South Carolina, stealing over $3.1 million across 62 cases by impersonating law enforcement and demanding cryptocurrency transfers via Bitcoin ATMs. The scams exploited urgency and fabricated threats of arrest or legal consequences, with victims directed to convert cash to cryptocurrency at predatory ATMs with high transaction fees. Officials across South Carolina are calling for government oversight of cryptocurrency ATMs, as these machines have become primary tools for targeting aging communities, with the FTC noting that cryptocurrency scam losses in the U.S. increased tenfold between 2020 and 2023.

A South Carolina man, Bhargav Patel, was arrested in Jones County, Georgia after attempting to defraud an elderly couple of their life savings through a courier scam, in which he convinced them their bank deposits were unsafe and arranged to pick up their withdrawn money for "safekeeping." The couple's family intervened before the theft was completed, obtained the suspect's license plate, and authorities tracked and arrested Patel, charging him with exploitation of the elderly and two counts of criminal attempt to commit theft. The sheriff's office emphasized that such fraud cases are among the highest-volume crimes they handle and advised residents to be cautious of unsolicited calls, especially from those impersonating government agencies

Kenneth J. Brown and Nicholas R. Shepard, both 45-46 years old from Lexington, South Carolina, were sentenced to 16 months in federal prison for conspiracy to commit wire and mail fraud. The men operated Golden Eagle Precious Metals Exchange and received checks from business email compromise and romance scam victims through the mail, then deposited the funds into their business account and converted them to cryptocurrency. They were ordered to pay $415,196.66 in restitution to victims and face three years of court-ordered supervision following their prison terms.

The FBI is warning of a widespread fraud scheme targeting elderly residents where scammers impersonate cybersecurity representatives, bank officials, and government officers to trick victims into converting their assets into physical gold and surrendering it to couriers. During 2024, 11 South Carolina elderly victims lost approximately $4.2 million to this scam, which typically begins with fake device compromise warnings and involves creating false urgency to move assets out of financial accounts. The FBI advises victims to verify identities independently, avoid using provided contact numbers, and report suspicious activity to the FBI IC3 website, with elder victims able to seek assistance through the DOJ Elder Justice Hotline.

**Article:** "What can I do about all these scams? Tips and tricks to keep you and your loved ones safe" Beaufort County, South Carolina residents—particularly older adults—face a high risk of scams, with the state ranking seventh nationally for fraud cases. Common schemes targeting seniors include cryptocurrency scams (up 900% since 2020), contractor fraud, phone solicitation, and religious impersonation scams. The FTC advises identifying scams by recognizing when scammers impersonate legitimate organizations, create false urgency or prize claims, and pressure immediate action or unusual payment methods.

In November, a 66-year-old retired health care worker in Hilton Head, South Carolina, lost $7,500 in a crypto scam after someone impersonating a sheriff's deputy claimed she had missed jury duty and threatened jail time, directing her to deposit cash into a Coinstar ATM that converted it to cryptocurrency. The scam represents a growing trend targeting seniors through crypto kiosks, with Beaufort County reporting $3.1 million in crypto scam losses to law enforcement in the past year alone, prompting calls for stronger fraud prevention measures by cryptocurrency ATM operators and legislators.

Final Victory Animal Rescue fell victim to a fake Venmo account impersonating the charity in December 2024, resulting in lost donations and adoption fees that were redirected to scammers. The incident highlights the increasing sophistication of online scams, with scammers creating legitimate-looking websites and payment accounts; the South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs reports that 33% of 2024 scam reports involved online contact, with purchase scams being the most common type. The charity emphasized the importance of verifying official charity accounts and recommended donating only to well-known registered organizations.

This article discusses elder abuse protections across the United States, highlighting that the elderly population is projected to nearly double from 49 million to 95 million by 2060, making protective measures increasingly urgent. States like Wisconsin, Vermont, and Massachusetts rank highest in elder abuse prevention due to strong funding and robust regulations, while rural states such as South Carolina, Utah, and South Dakota lag significantly due to policy gaps and insufficient resources. Financial fraud is identified as a prevalent form of elder abuse affecting elderly individuals, with states offering stronger safeguards—such as ombudsman services and elder care organizations—demonstrating lower average financial losses per fraud case.

Julia Renae Mullinax, 43, of Batesburg-Leesville, South Carolina, was sentenced to 13 months in federal prison for wire fraud conspiracy involving the fraudulent purchase of items from Lowe's Home Improvement stores across the Southeast. Mullinax and accomplices posed as authorized representatives of local businesses to make unauthorized purchases on their commercial credit accounts between 2023 and 2024, causing $47,234.10 in losses to Lowe's. She was ordered to pay full restitution and serve three years of court-ordered supervision following her prison term.

Justin Ray Donaldson, a 35-year-old South Carolina man, exploited a vulnerable 73-year-old widow by befriending her at a senior living facility, falsely convincing her she had dementia, and manipulating her into making him her power of attorney while removing her daughters from that role. Donaldson gained access to her bank accounts and fraudulently obtained a home equity loan for "home repairs," which he used to purchase a $28,525 vehicle for himself, defrauding the woman of thousands of dollars total. He was arrested and charged with breach of trust of more than $10,000, with the vehicle being recovered by investigators.

The FBI is investigating an advanced multi-layered tech support scam targeting elderly South Carolinians, where scammers pose as tech support and government officials to convince victims their devices and financial accounts have been compromised, then instruct them to liquidate assets and purchase gold bars for courier pickup. South Carolina seniors aged 60 and older reported losses exceeding $9 million to tech support scams from January through November, with similar cases occurring nationwide. The schemes involve coordinated networks of criminals using fake documents, routing calls between accomplices, and can persist for weeks or months before victims discover their accounts have been depleted.

The FBI issued a public warning about an advanced tech support scam targeting South Carolina seniors, where scammers pose as tech support and instruct victims to liquidate assets and purchase gold bars for courier pickup to resolve fabricated device or financial account issues. South Carolina residents aged 60 and older reported losses exceeding $9 million from January through November, with similar cases occurring nationwide, and the multi-layered scheme often involves networks of criminals working together over weeks or months. The FBI advises seniors to avoid clicking unsolicited links, never provide computer access to unknown individuals, and verify suspicious claims by visiting financial institutions in person rather than contacting provided phone numbers.

Robert Namath Emory, 54, of Lancaster, South Carolina, pleaded guilty to wire fraud for embezzling nearly $5 million from his employer, Mar Mac Protective Apparel, where he served as head of accounting. Emory exploited a flaw in the company's invoice payment system from January 2016 onward by doubling vendor invoices, making electronic payments to vendors, and then writing physical checks to himself using the company's check numbers. He faces up to 20 years in federal prison, a $250,000 fine, restitution, and supervised release.

Electronic benefit fraud targeting South Carolina's SNAP program has surged dramatically, with reported cases increasing from 302 in August to 1,962 in October, affecting thousands of low-income households who depend on food assistance. North Charleston resident Rawshawn Clark lost $632 in benefits to unauthorized charges, and victims face challenges reclaiming stolen funds and accessing alternative resources while waiting for replacement benefits. The South Carolina Department of Social Services recommends SNAP users download the official Connect EBT app, change their PIN regularly, monitor charges closely, and report fraud within 30 days to the toll-free line (1-800-554-5268) to recover stolen benefits.

The South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs warns residents to be vigilant against post-Hurricane Helene scams, including fraudsters impersonating FEMA and utility companies to steal personal information through unsolicited calls. The department reminds the public that legitimate government agencies never charge for disaster relief and advises verifying charitable organizations before donating, with resources available through the Secretary of State's office or by calling 1-888-CHARITI.

Kenneth J. Brown and Nicholas R. Shepard, both 45 of Lexington, South Carolina, pleaded guilty to conspiring to commit wire and mail fraud by operating a scheme involving business email compromise and romance scams. The defendants received victim checks through the mail at their precious metals business, deposited them into their business account, and converted the funds into cryptocurrency. Both men face up to 20 years in prison, $250,000 in fines, restitution, and three years of supervised release pending sentencing.

This article does not involve elder fraud or abuse. It reports a homicide case in which a 51-year-old South Carolina woman, Penni Whiteside, was murdered by her former roommate, 54-year-old Sheridan Dirk Fogle, and her remains were discovered buried under a firepit in June 2024, over two years after she went missing in spring 2022. Fogle was arrested and charged with murder, with no bond set and future court dates scheduled.

South Carolina cybersecurity experts and state leaders convened at an inaugural conference in West Columbia to address growing online security threats to the state's critical infrastructure, including energy, water, and government systems. The SC Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity organization, operating within SLED, provides threat prevention and recovery services while emphasizing the importance of law enforcement staying ahead of increasingly sophisticated cyber criminals. State officials recommend citizens utilize the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center and participate in cybersecurity awareness training to protect themselves against fraud and cyber attacks.

The South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs released an updated version of "Ditch the Pitch," an educational guide designed to help consumers identify and avoid scams, with particular focus on protecting elderly residents. The guide will be distributed to over 9,000 seniors through the Department on Aging's home-delivered meal program, addressing common scams, prevention strategies, and steps to take if personal information is compromised. This partnership reflects growing concern about fraud targeting older adults, whose victimization rates are at all-time highs.

A study by PrivacyJournal.net ranked Nevada as the most dangerous state for online dating based on reported romance scams, fraud, identity theft, and violent crime per 100,000 residents. Nevada ranked second nationally for romance scam reports and third for fraud reports, making it a higher-risk state for online daters seeking to avoid financial and personal victimization. The analysis identified Vermont as the safest state for online dating, while other risky states included Alaska, Georgia, Florida, Arizona, and South Carolina.

South Carolina ranks as the 45th safest state for online dating, with elevated risks including 396 registered sex offenders per 100,000 residents, 1,062 STD reports per 100,000 residents, and 334 fraud cases per 100,000 residents. A study by PrivacyJournal.net identified romance scams, fraud, identity theft, and violent crime as primary dangers in online dating nationwide, with Nevada ranking as the most dangerous state overall.