South Carolina Loses $264M to Cybercrime in 2025, FBI Reports

Losses jumped 26% from 2024 as investment fraud, business email compromise, and tech support scams hit the state hard.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 4:54pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a computer keyboard with a few scattered coins, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually illustrating the financial impact of cybercrime.A stark visual representation of the financial toll cybercrime takes on South Carolinians, as losses topped $264 million in 2025.Lexington Today

According to a new report from the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center, South Carolinians lost over $264 million to online crime in 2025, a 26% increase from the previous year. The state ranked 21st nationally in both total complaints and losses, with residents 60 and older hit the hardest, filing the most complaints and losing $97.3 million.

Why it matters

The sharp rise in cybercrime losses in South Carolina reflects a broader national trend, as criminals increasingly target individuals and businesses through sophisticated online schemes. The FBI is urging the public to be more vigilant and cautious when engaging in online transactions to help curb this growing threat.

The details

The FBI's 2025 Internet Crime Report, based on more than one million complaints nationwide, shows reported losses topping $20 billion, a 26% increase from 2024. In South Carolina, the top three categories responsible for the largest financial losses were investment fraud ($84.7 million), business email compromise ($64.5 million), and tech support scams ($28.8 million).

  • The 2025 Internet Crime Report was newly released in 2026.
  • Losses in South Carolina jumped by $118 million compared to 2024, when victims reported $146 million stolen through online schemes.

The players

FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center

The FBI's center that receives and investigates reports of internet-enabled criminal activity.

Kevin Moore

Special agent in charge of the FBI Columbia Field Office.

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What they’re saying

“Cybercrime isn't just a growing threat — it's a constant one. As the FBI works tirelessly to dismantle these criminal networks, we call on the public to do their part by adopting strenuous cyber hygiene practices and remaining vigilant in every online transaction.”

— Kevin Moore, Special agent in charge of the FBI Columbia Field Office

What’s next

The FBI is encouraging people to slow down and evaluate suspicious messages, calls, or online interactions before sharing money or personal information, as many scams rely on creating a false sense of urgency.

The takeaway

The sharp rise in cybercrime losses in South Carolina highlights the growing threat of online fraud and the need for residents to be more vigilant when engaging in digital transactions. The FBI is urging the public to adopt stronger cyber hygiene practices and report any suspicious activity to help authorities combat this persistent problem.