Do you and your family know how to avoid being taken advantage of?

If you or they have been scammed, you may need help with what to do now.

More of us are faced with being victims of a scam.

WIS-TV interviewed SC Department of Consumer Affairs experts about imposters who pretend to be someone else to gain access to your personal information or your money.

Last year, of nearly 700 reports of scams locally, more than half were imposter scams, leading to nearly $100,000 of reported losses.

Across the state, reported imposter scams led to nearly $800,000 in losses.

Consumer Affairs experts say these scams can be by phone, email, the mail and even text messages.

“You get a notification that there’s a new loan that’s opened up in your name,” said Bailey Parker of the Department of Consumer Affairs.

“Definitely, call us. There are things that you need to do, especially if your identity’s been stolen. You’re going to need to close accounts. You’re going to need to dispute charges. We can help you.”

Another scam to be on the lookout for is tax fraud.

“If you get something in the mail from the IRS that says, ‘You’ve already filed your taxes,’ and you haven’t, do exactly what that letter tells you to do.

“Time is of the essence. So, always be quick if you get some sort of correspondence with the IRS – but especially in tax season, these scams ramp up and just be aware.

“The IRS is not going to call you to collect a debt. They’re most likely going to send you official, notarized mail.”

She advised you make sure you’re using a legitimate tax preparer.