Full Breakdown
South Carolina Officials Warn Shoppers of Holiday Scams Ahead of Black Friday
11/24/2025, 2:39:48 AM
Increased Risk of Scams During the Holiday Season
As Black Friday approaches, the South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs (SCDCA) has issued a warning to consumers about the heightened risk of scams targeting holiday shoppers. Scammers often exploit the festive shopping season, particularly through fake websites and phishing emails designed to deceive online shoppers. The SCDCA emphasizes the importance of vigilance, advising consumers that "if a price sounds too good to be true, it probably is."
Expert Insights on Online Scams
Murat Kantarcioglu, a computer science professor at Virginia Tech, highlights the growing sophistication of online scams, particularly those utilizing artificial intelligence. He notes that scammers are now able to create more convincing emails, making it increasingly difficult for consumers to discern legitimate offers from fraudulent ones. Kantarcioglu points out that seniors are often prime targets for these scams, as they may be less familiar with the latest online threats.
Safety Tips for Holiday Shoppers
To help consumers navigate the risks associated with online shopping, the SCDCA has provided several safety tips:
- Stick to trusted, well-established websites and conduct online searches for reviews and complaints.
- Use credit cards instead of debit cards for online purchases, as credit cards offer additional protections.
- Ensure that website URLs begin with "https:" to confirm that data transmitted is encrypted.
- Keep devices and applications updated to reduce vulnerability to hackers.
- Avoid public Wi-Fi networks when shopping online, as these can be insecure.
Growing Awareness Among Consumers
Despite the risks, many shoppers are becoming more aware of potential scams. The National Retail Federation (NRF) anticipates that 187 million people will shop from Thanksgiving through Cyber Monday, an increase of 3 million from the previous year. Some consumers express concern over the prevalence of scams, with one shopper stating, "It’s so scary now that you mention that, and I think everybody should be more aware that this is happening."
Official Statements & Responses
The SCDCA has launched a guide titled "Ditch the Pitch" to assist individuals in identifying and avoiding scams. They encourage anyone who falls victim to a scam to report it by calling 800-922-1592 or visiting consumer.sc.gov. Kantarcioglu reinforces the need for caution, stating, "Everyone will need to be more careful moving forward."
Verbatim Quotes
- “if a price sounds too good to be true, it probably is!” — South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs
- “Basically, before AI, sometimes scammers make easy mistakes like spelling errors and so on, so forth, but with AI, the emails you receive become much more believable,” — Murat Kantarcioglu, Virginia Tech Professor
- “It’s so scary now that you mention that, and I think everybody should be more aware that this is happening,” — Jamont Hike, Shopper
Conclusion
As the holiday shopping season intensifies, both officials and experts stress the importance of consumer awareness and caution. With the rise of sophisticated scams, shoppers are urged to remain vigilant and informed to protect their personal and financial information.
