The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has issued a warning to residents of South Carolina regarding a scam that uses spoofed phone numbers to deceive victims into divulging sensitive information. The scam involves fraudsters using technology to make it appear as though the call is coming from a legitimate source, such as a government agency or financial institution. The FBI is urging citizens to be cautious when receiving calls from unknown numbers, especially if the caller is requesting personal or financial information. The scammers may claim to be from the FBI or other reputable organizations, and may even provide fake badge numbers or other credentials to appear legitimate. However, the FBI emphasizes that it will never call individuals to request personal information or payment. The scam has been reported in various parts of South Carolina, and the FBI is working to identify and apprehend those responsible. In the meantime, residents are advised to be vigilant and to never provide sensitive information to unknown callers. It is also important to note that the FBI will never ask for payment or personal information via phone or email. If you receive a suspicious call, it is recommended that you hang up and contact the relevant agency or organization directly to verify the authenticity of the call. Additionally, the FBI suggests that residents register their phone numbers on the National Do Not Call Registry to reduce the number of unwanted calls they receive. The registry is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) that allows consumers to add their phone numbers to a list of numbers that telemarketers are prohibited from calling. By taking this step, residents can help protect themselves from scams and other unwanted calls. The FBI is also reminding residents that they can report suspicious activity to the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), which is a partnership between the FBI and the National White Collar Crime Center. The IC3 provides a convenient and easy-to-use reporting system for victims of internet-facilitated crimes, including scams and other types of cybercrime. Furthermore, the FBI is working closely with local law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute those responsible for the scam. The agency is also providing guidance and resources to help residents protect themselves from similar scams in the future. In conclusion, the FBI’s warning serves as an important reminder for South Carolina residents to be cautious when receiving calls from unknown numbers and to never provide sensitive information to unverified callers.