Springtime Scams to Watch for in the Lowcountry and Midlands - All About Seniors

By Chris Hadley, President, Better Business BureauSpring in South Carolina is one of our most beautiful seasons.Flowers are blooming, the weather warms up, and many of us are spending more time outdoors, traveling, or tackling long-delayed home projects.Unfortunately, spring is also a time when scammers become more activeespecially targeting seniors.At the Better Business Bureau, we see certain scams surface every year around this time, particularly in the Charleston and Columbia areas.

Being aware of them is one of the best ways to protect yourself and your loved ones.Home Improvement and Contractor ScamsAs spring projects begin, scammers posing as contractors often go door-to-door offering roof repairs, driveway sealing, pressure washing, or storm damage inspections.Red flags include:High-pressure tacticsRequests for full payment upfrontNo written contract or local referencesClaims they just finished work in your neighborhoodBefore hiring anyone, verify the business at BBB.org, get multiple estimates, and never feel rushed.Imposter ScamsScammers may pretend to be government agencies, utility companies, banks, or even family members.They often demand immediate payment through gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency.Remember: legitimate organizations will never demand payment this way.Vacation and Rental ScamsWith spring travel picking up, scammers advertise fake vacation rentals or deeply discounted trips.Always book through reputable websites and avoid paying outside official platforms.Sweepstakes and Prize ScamsIf youre told youve won a prize but must pay fees or taxes upfront, its a scam.

Legitimate sweepstakes do not require payment to claim winnings.How to Protect YourselfSlow down and dont act on urgencyNever share personal or financial information with unsolicited callersTalk to a trusted family member before major decisionsVerify businesses at BBB.orgReport scams to the Better Business BureauWishing you a safe, happy, and scam-free spring from BBB!Chris HadleyPresident,Better Business Bureau Serving Charleston, Columbia, and surrounding communities