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October 2026: CYBERSECURITY AWARENESS MONTH

computersreborn
Oct 6
3 min read

South Carolina consumers continue to lose substantial amounts of money to scams. The South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs’ latest posted monthly data shows 38 scams reported during August 2026, with $378,566.81 in actual losses and another $151,919.89 in potential losses avoided by consumers who recognized the scam in time. SCDCA


SCDCA is using Cybersecurity Awareness Month to emphasize four basic protections that stop many attacks before they start: multi-factor authentication, strong passwords, software updates and recognizing phishing attempts. SCDCA


🎣 PHISHING ISN’T JUST EMAIL ANYMORE

Fraudulent links now arrive by text message, social media, messaging apps and even QR codes. The goal is usually the same: trick you into entering a password, credit-card number or other personal information on a convincing fake website.

South Carolina DMV has specifically warned residents about texts claiming they have an unpaid traffic violation and threatening suspension of driving privileges. SCDMV does not use text messages to collect unpaid traffic tickets or toll violations. Its legitimate website is now DMV.sc.gov. SCDMV


Protect yourself: Do not follow the link in an unexpected message. Open your browser and type the organization’s known website yourself. Forward unwanted scam texts to 7726 (SPAM).


🔐 ONE STOLEN PASSWORD SHOULD NOT OPEN EVERY DOOR

Password reuse remains dangerous because criminals routinely try credentials stolen from one service against email, banking, shopping and social-media accounts.

A safer approach:

  • Use a different password for every important account.

  • Use long passwords or passphrases.

  • Turn on multi-factor authentication whenever available.

  • Never give anyone a verification code that was sent to your phone or email.

A legitimate company contacting you does not need you to read back an authentication code intended for your login.


🛒 ONLINE PURCHASE & FAKE SERVICE SCAMS

Purchase scams remain one of South Carolina’s most frequently reported fraud categories, and SCDCA’s current reporting also highlights service/repair scams involving impostor businesses. SCDCA

Before paying an unfamiliar seller or service provider:

  • Search the company name independently.

  • Be suspicious of prices dramatically below everyone else.

  • Pay by credit card when practical for better dispute protection.

  • Do not move a transaction to cryptocurrency, gift cards, wire transfers or an unfamiliar payment app because the seller insists.

  • Keep receipts, emails and screenshots until the transaction is complete.


🚔 “PAY NOW OR YOU’LL BE ARRESTED” IS A SCAM

Crime and warrant scams remain among the common schemes reported in South Carolina. Criminals may impersonate police, courts or federal agencies and can manipulate caller ID to display a legitimate government telephone number.

The FBI’s Columbia office has warned that scammers have spoofed its actual telephone number, claimed victims missed federal jury duty and demanded money through cryptocurrency kiosks. FBI

Remember: No legitimate police agency, court or FBI office resolves an arrest warrant by demanding Bitcoin, gift cards, wire transfers or cash at a kiosk. Hang up and independently contact the agency.


🛡️ FOUR THINGS TO DO THIS MONTH

Turn on MFA. Use strong, unique passwords. Install software updates. Stop before clicking unexpected links.

Those four habits are simple, but they block an enormous amount of everyday cybercrime.


South Carolina Consumer Affairs is also offering free cybersecurity education throughout October. A free document-shredding event is scheduled for October 22, 2026 at North Spartanburg Park in Boiling Springs, along with online cybersecurity webinars throughout the month. SCDCA



COMPUTERS REBORN LLC

Practical technology guidance for South Carolina families and small businesses.

Stop. Verify. Protect.

 

 
 
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