• Commission on Consumer Affairs
• Council of Advisors on Consumer Credit
• Staff
• Services Provided
• 30th Anniversary Commemorative Journal (PDF Version)

History and purpose

The S.C. Department of Consumer Affairs was established by the S.C. Consumer Protection Code, the state law which governs consumer credit transactions and provides for consumer protection in South Carolina. The law, which was signed by the Governor on August 13, 1974, became effective on January 1, 1975. As the state agency designated to represent the interests of consumer, the S.C. Department of Consumer affairs attempts to resolve complaints and seeks to inform and educate consumers in order to create an atmosphere in which consumers will be more aware of their rights and responsibilities in the marketplace.

Organization

The Department is organized into five divisions: Administration, Consumer Services, Consumer Advocacy, Public Information & Education and the Legal Division.

Main Objectives

As initially created, the primary function of SCDCA is to regulate the consumer credit marketplace, to resolve any complaint arising out of the production, promotion or sale of consumer goods or services in South Carolina, whether or not credit is involved, and to promote a healthy competitive business climate with mutual confidence between buyers and sellers.

The function and duties of the Division of Consumer Advocacy are to provide legal representation of the consumer interest before state and federal regulatory agencies when these agencies undertake to enact regulations or establish policies. In addition, the Division of Consumer Advocacy monitors existing regulations, rate structures, and policies of special consumer interest and reports to the general public through the media, the effect of proposed changes.

The Department also licenses and registers motor clubs, physical fitness service organizations, pawnbrokers, mortgage loan brokers, athletic agents, continuing care retirement communities, prescription drug cards, staff leasing companies and prepaid legal representatives.

Mission and Values

To protect consumers from inequities in the marketplace through advocacy, mediation, enforcement and education.

The Department strives to be a CREDIT to our State by holding the following values as essential in our relationships and decision-making:

C	OMPETENCE
R	ESPECT
E	QUALITY
D	EDICATION
I	NTEGRITY
T	IMELINESS