Warning about scams in a personal finance column feels a bit like warning people that they should wear seatbelts — don't we all know this stuff by now? In 2021, state residents lost more than $6.4 million to scams and identity theft. The most common scams reported in the state varied by month, but those involving tricking people into paying for fake or nonexistent consumer products (usually online) topped the list most months. Scam phone calls accounted for more than half the complaints filed in S.C. last year. Don't engage with phone solicitors or robo-calls that may claim to represent the government or a financial institution.

Source: Wall Street Journal September 18, 2022 15:38 UTC