By Chris Hadley, President, Better Business Bureau
Spring 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 active—especially 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 Scams
As 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 tactics
- Requests for full payment upfront
- No written contract or local references
- Claims they just finished work in your neighborhood
Before hiring anyone, verify the business at BBB.org, get multiple estimates, and never feel rushed.
Imposter Scams
Scammers 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 Scams
With 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 Scams
If you’re told you’ve won a prize but must pay fees or taxes upfront, it’s a scam. Legitimate sweepstakes do not require payment to claim winnings.
How to Protect Yourself
- Slow down and don’t act on urgency
- Never share personal or financial information with unsolicited callers
- Talk to a trusted family member before major decisions
- Verify businesses at BBB.org
- Report scams to the Better Business Bureau
Wishing you a safe, happy, and scam-free spring from BBB!
Chris Hadley
President, Better Business Bureau Serving Charleston, Columbia, and surrounding communities
