Be wary of an online scam offering to sell burn permits and other SC state licenses.

SC Forestry Commission officials say certain Google search results display an ad that links to a fraudulent website.

It claims to provide “application preparation assistance” for individuals seeking common state-issued permits.

After collecting your personal information, the website directs visitors to a credit card payment page to pay a fee.

Forestry officials say they do not issue physical burn permits, nor is there a charge for them.

State law requires that if you wish to burn yard debris outside city limits you notify the Forestry Commission by calling the toll-free notification phone number.

The list of toll-free lines can be found on the Forestry Commission website https://www.state.sc.us/forest/.