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Did you know that as of January 1, 2024, the Corporate Transparency Act enacted by Congress requires many companies to report beneficial ownership information to the US Treasury Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN)? Beneficial ownership information (BOI), as defined by FinCEN, is identifying information about the individuals who directly or indirectly own or control a company. Please review the BOI links on our website to see if you are required to report to FinCEN.

Mark Hammond

SCAM ALERT: Avoid Fraudulent Charities Looking to Profit Off Texas Devastation

Hurricane Harvey
Tue, 08/29/2017

(COLUMBIA, SC) – In response to the devastation of Hurricane Harvey in Texas, many South Carolinians are searching for ways to help victims. Secretary of State Mark Hammond advises consumers to be on the lookout for fake charities in the coming weeks. Here are a few tips to ensure donations get to those in need:

  • Seek out a charity that needs your support. Be cautious of groups that may approach you. Get more information on a particular charity by visiting the SC Secretary of State’s Office at sos.sc.gov to search on a particular charity or by calling 1-888-CHARITI (242-7484).
  • Donate to well-known charities. Watch out for charities that have sprung up overnight. They may mean well, but lack the infrastructure to assist.  Do not assume a charity is legitimate based on its name. Some phony charities use names that sound or look like those of respected, legitimate organizations.
  • Who’s calling? If you receive a call from a professional solicitor, they must disclose the following at the time of the call:
    • that he/she is a paid solicitor; 
    • the name, location, and purpose of the charity; and
    • the registered, true name of the professional fundraising organization for which he/she works.
  • Know where the money is going.  Ask what percentage of your contribution goes to the charitable cause.  Find out their mission and history.  Don’t be afraid to ask for details in writing.
  • Do not provide personal or financial information to cold callers. This includes your Social Security number, credit card, and bank account numbers. Scam artists can use this information to commit fraud. When in doubt, hang up!
  • Do not give or send cash. For security and tax record purposes, contribute by check or credit card. Write the official name of the charity on your check.

About the Secretary of State’s Office
The Division of Public Charities regulates charitable organizations and professional fundraisers under the Solicitation of Charitable Funds Act and in 2015 began regulating the registration and financial reporting of certain nonprofit organizations wishing to conduct raffles in the State. There are approximately 10,000 charitable organizations, and 2,000 professional fundraisers registered with the Division.


Contact: Renee S. Daggerhart
(803) 734-0629