Anyone can fall victim to online fraud. Here’s how to avoid it.

Cyberfraud has become an all-too-common occurrence that can lead to serious financial loss.

According to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center, residents in South Carolina reported total losses of more than $146 million in 2024 from cybercrimes — a 22% increase from 2023.

Cybercriminals use various tactics to steal personal information and money from unsuspecting victims. Many scams can be difficult to catch until it’s too late.

Sgt. Tina Sutherland with the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office explained that cyberfraud disproportionately impacts residents over the age of 60. Approximately $58 million in total losses were reported by individuals over the age of 60 in South Carolina last year.

“Here in Oconee County, we have a very high demographic of retirees,” Sutherland said. “They’re targeted because they’re not really familiar with technology, and two, they have the highest percentage of wealth. Essentially, they are the easiest targets and the most lucrative targets.”

Those who suspect they might be a victim of cyberfraud must immediately call local law enforcement and their banks. Sutherland said there is a very short window for recovering stolen funds, and it is rare they are successful.

“If we can trace it to a bank account, we can do a search-and-seizure warrant and grab that money before it’s completely gone out of that bank account,” Sutherland said. “But technology itself creates a very convenient environment for people to hide behind false identities, create fake bank accounts.”

Cybersecurity education

Education can help individuals avoid falling victim to cyber scams. Upcountry Fiber, a local internet provider, has made it part of its mission to teach people in the Upstate about cybersecurity. The utility is a partnership between Blue Ridge Electric Cooperative and West Carolina Telephone Cooperative.

“This is so near and dear to us because we see it so much,” said Zac Campbell, West Carolina’s senior business solutions manager. “Folks will call in with an issue they think, and they’ve been hacked, or they’ve been frauded.”

Upcountry Fiber regularly hosts classes to teach people how to protect themselves from online scams, fraud and hackers. The company’s next Digital Defense class will be held Aug. 28 in Seneca. The class is free and open to the public.

Those attending Upcountry Fiber’s class will learn how to recognize and avoid phishing scams. These occur when cybercriminals use phone calls, email or text messages to trick people into giving away sensitive information.

According to Upcountry Fiber, phishing messages oftentimes contain urgent language to create a sense of panic, causing people to act quickly without thinking. Fake URLs will be included to lead users to a site designed to steal information.

Cybercriminals also utilize social media to orchestrate scams, such as creating fake profiles impersonating real people. Personal information posted on social media can also be used by scammers to steal someone’s identity.

Simple steps can be taken to help people stay secure online, such as setting up multifactor authentication for accounts. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring users to provide two or more forms of verification before accessing their accounts.

People should also avoid creating passwords that contain personal information, such as birthdays, pet names and family names. Campbell said longer passwords are also more secure because they are harder for criminals to crack.

“Don’t trust anything,” Campbell said. “If it’s too good to be true, it’s not true. If you’re not expecting it, delete it.”

Upcountry Fiber digital defense class

When: Aug. 28, 10 a.m.

Where: 9 Boardwalk Plaza, Seneca

To sign up, email marketing@wctel.com or call 888-760-2111.

South Carolina cybercrime victims by age, 2024

Over 60: 2,295 complains

50-59: 1,205 complains

40-49: 1,231 complains

30-39: 1,526 complaints

20-29: 821 complaints

Under 20: 218 complaints

Source: FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center’s 2024 Annual Report for South Carolina

Signs of a scam

1. The cybercriminal will impersonate an organization you know.
2. The message will say there’s a problem or a prize.
3. It will be an urgent message, pressuring you to act immediately.
4. The cybercriminal will tell you to pay in a specific way (cryptocurrency, a payment app, wiring money).

Source: Federal Trade Commission