Watch Out for These 5 Easter Scams Making the Rounds In South Carolina

As families gear up for Easter egg hunts, bunny visits, and candy-filled celebrations, scammers are also hopping into action, looking to cash in on the seasonal spirit. Authorities are warning consumers to stay alert, as reports of Easter-related scams are already popping up across the country.

Here Are The Five Most Common Easter Scams to Watch Out For:

1. The “Too-Good-to-Be-True” Easter Basket Sale

If you spot a luxury Easter basket full of candy, toys, and name-brand items for a shockingly low price, pause before hitting “buy.” Many fake websites and social media ads are advertising incredible deals—but after checkout, your items never arrive, and your credit card info may be compromised.
Tip: Stick to reputable retailers and avoid deals that seem suspiciously cheap.

Read More: USPS Warns North Carolina About A New 'Gift In The Mail' Scam

2. Fake Easter Egg Hunt Events

Scammers are creating phony Easter egg hunt events, complete with Eventbrite pages or Facebook listings, and charging for tickets to hunts that don’t exist. Victims show up to the location, only to find nothing but an empty field and an empty wallet.
Tip: Verify events through official city or park district websites before purchasing tickets online.

3. “Surprise Easter Gift” Delivery Texts

A new wave of text message scams claims a loved one has sent you a surprise Easter gift or basket. To schedule delivery, you’re asked to click a link—one that either installs malware or steals your personal information.
Tip: Never click links from unknown numbers, and don’t provide payment or personal info unless you’re 100% sure it’s legitimate.

4. Easter Toy & Candy Clearance Scams

Just like with Christmas, scammers set up phony websites advertising massive post-Easter clearance sales. Once you place an order, you may get a fake tracking number—or nothing at all.
Tip: Check the website's URL and reviews before entering any payment information.

Read More: Why South Carolina Has Been Hit Hardest by The Flu This Season 

5. E-Card Malware

Digital Easter cards are a cute idea… but if they come from an unknown sender, be careful. Some “e-cards” actually contain viruses or malware designed to hijack your computer or steal data.
Tip: Only open e-cards from people you know and trust. When in doubt, don’t click.

Stay Safe This Easter

Holidays bring out the best in people—but sometimes, the worst too. Stay cautious, double-check sources, and report suspicious activity to your local consumer protection agency or the Federal Trade Commission.

Don't let scammers steal your springtime joy—protect your wallet and your inbox this Easter.