Achieving a continuous measure of success is no easy task, but the South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs has blazed a trail of protecting consumers that has met the test of time. With a more than thirty-year tradition of results behind it, the Department continues to focus on emerging consumer issues in South Carolina, the nation and globally. Using creative new approaches to protecting consumers in this state through education, mediation, enforcement and advocacy, we are helping to formulate and modify consumer laws, policies, and regulations. Through vision and commitment the Department has shown a profound understanding of challenges in the market and workplace, handling them wisely and with certainty. -- Brandolyn Thomas Pinkston, Administrator

 

IMPORTANT MESSAGE FOR BUSINESSES FILING DEALER CLOSING COST NOTICE

The Department has been asked by a number of car dealers whether they should amend their Dealer Closing Cost filing. The Department has not changed its form and does not require an amended filing.

Department of Consumer Affairs Warns Consumers about Medicare Telephone Scam and Other Health-Related Fraud
The Department has received several calls from the Upstate in the past week from consumers who were told their Medicare account numbers had been changed. Although the caller knew the persons’ names and addresses (generally easy for scammers to obtain), the alert consumers became suspicious when asked for sensitive information such as Social Security and bank account numbers. (More)

South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs Supports Efforts to Regulate Mortgage Lending Industry through S. 1090
A bill to regulate mortgage lenders and their loan originators has moved from a Senate committee and is now headed to the Senate floor. Sen. David Thomas, Senate Banking and Insurance Chair, stated that South Carolina is one of only two states in the nation that does not license and regulate mortgage lenders. (More)

Identity Theft Bill Provides More Protection for Consumers
South Carolina consumers can do more to protect their identity now that the General Assembly passed and Governor Mark Sanford signed the “Financial Identity Fraud and Identity Theft Protection Act” on April 2, 2008. The Act provides much needed protection for consumers and is one of the most consumer-friendly and comprehensive bills of its kind in the nation. (More)

Department of Consumer Affairs Cautions About Getting an Honest Appraisal
With the weather warming up and spring season in full gear, many homeowners are looking to spruce things up around the house with a little remodeling before applying through your lender for a home equity loan. Others are looking to cash in on the economic stimulus package by purchasing their very first home. (More)