Columbia Residents Warned About Scammers in Wake of Recent Storm

Columbia Residents Urged to Stay Alert for Scammers

Columbia, S.C. – In a time when many local residents are still picking up the pieces after the recent storm, Helene, the last thing we need is the hassle of scammers trying to take advantage of the situation. The South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs (SCDCA) is stepping up to remind everyone to stay canny and be aware. Unfortunately, during such vulnerable times, there are folks out there who see an opportunity to trick unsuspecting individuals, and that’s something we must all look out for.

How Scammers Operate

Scammers are crafty and can reach out to you in a variety of ways: via phone calls, emails, texts, social media messages, or even in-person visits. They may sound convincing, claiming to be from government agencies or charitable organizations. They might offer help with recovery or ask for personal information. But it’s essential to keep in mind that many times these messages can be misleading or entirely fraudulent.

It’s easy to let your guard down when you’re facing the stress of recovery from a disaster, but that’s exactly what these scammers are counting on. They often prey on emotional sentiments, promising a quick fix when there’s no actual help to offer. Trust is key, and if something seems off, it probably is!

Tips to Protect Yourself

The SCDCA recommends a few simple strategies to help protect yourself and your loved ones from falling victim to these scams:

• Always verify the identity of anyone claiming to offer assistance. Don’t hesitate to hang up and call back using a number you know is legitimate.
• Be cautious with any unsolicited emails or messages. Look for unusual or misspelled URLs and email addresses.
• Never share personal information, like Social Security numbers, credit card details, or bank account info, with anyone unless you are certain of their legitimacy.
• Do your research before making any donations to charities. Look for established organizations and check their reputation.

For detailed information on how to protect yourself, the SCDCA has created a document titled “Beware of Disaster Scams” which can be found at consumer.sc.gov. They have also made available resources under “Recovering from a Disaster” that you might find incredibly helpful.

Free Webinars for Residents

To further assist Columbia residents, the SCDCA is hosting two free webinars designed to offer guidance during this tough time. These webinars will provide valuable insights on what to look out for and how to handle those suspicious calls and emails. It’s a great opportunity to learn more about protecting yourself and your family.

The presence of scamming activity after a disaster can be distressing, but staying informed and vigilant can help you fend off these unwanted nightmares. If you or someone you know has encountered a suspected scam, don’t hesitate to report it. Sharing this information also helps others remain alert and can contribute to preventing further victimization.

Stay Safe, Columbia!

As you continue to navigate the aftermath of Helene, remember there are resources available to support you. Keep your eyes peeled for suspicious behavior, and don’t hesitate to reach out to trusted sources if you’re in doubt. Together, the Columbia community can rise stronger and ensure that scamming scams have no place within our resilient city!