Is Charleston Safe in January 2026?

Scammers scrape photos from MLS real estate listings of homes for sale in the Charleston area and post them as short-term rental properties on Craigslist and third-party sites. After contact, they request payment via Venmo, Cash App, or wire transfer for a property they do not control. TripAdvisor forums and the BBB have documented Charleston-specific complaints spanning multiple years.

How to avoid: Book exclusively through Airbnb or VRBO and never take communication or payment off-platform. Reverse image search the listing photos to check if they appear on real estate sites. Reject any requests to pay by wire transfer, Zelle, Venmo, or gift cards.

Tourists driving in the Charleston area receive text messages claiming an unpaid toll or traffic fine is due from a spoofed SCDMV or SC E-ZPass number. The text includes a link to a fraudulent payment site. The SCDMV and Charleston County Sheriff's Office have issued formal warnings about this ongoing campaign.

How to avoid: The SCDMV never contacts drivers about violations by text message. Delete any such text immediately. If you believe you have a legitimate toll issue, go directly to scdmv.net. Never click a link in an unsolicited text claiming to be from a government agency.

Unlicensed drivers position themselves near the bars and restaurants on King Street and Market Street late at night, offering rides to downtown hotels and the Charleston peninsula neighborhoods. They quote a flat rate that seems reasonable but inflate it with extra charges once the passenger is in the vehicle, sometimes refusing to stop until additional cash is paid.

How to avoid: Only use officially licensed taxi companies or book rideshares through the Uber or Lyft apps. Confirm the driver name, photo, and license plate before getting in.

Restaurants in the Historic District have introduced undisclosed surcharges — inflation fees, kitchen fees, and hospitality fees — not listed on the menu. The Post and Courier specifically reported on this practice in Charleston. Tablet-based POS systems frequently show a tip prompt even after auto-gratuity has already been applied, pressuring tourists into tipping twice.

How to avoid: Before ordering, ask your server whether any service charges or fees are added to the bill. Review every line of the receipt. If an automatic gratuity is already present, you are not obligated to add more.

Individuals without city permits approach tourists near Rainbow Row, The Battery, or Church Street offering cut-price walking tours of the historic district. They may claim affiliation with legitimate companies. Charleston requires tour companies to hold city permits.

How to avoid: Book carriage and walking tours through licensed operators (Palmetto Carriage Works, Old South Carriage, Bulldog Tours) via their official websites. Ask any street solicitor for their city permit number. Avoid paying cash for spontaneous tour offers.