We are pleased to make our Consumer Complaint Form available to you online.

Please read carefully the following information before completing and filing the electronic complaint form. Be businesslike and refrain from making degrading remarks or unfounded accusations. Your complaint will not be processed if it contains profanity or vulgar language. It is vital that you provide all of the requested supporting documents. You must submit two copies of those documents within five (5) week days after electronically filing your complaint. Please note we cannot process your complaint without the name and address of the business.

The South Carolina Consumer Protection Code defines a consumer transaction as "a transaction arising out of the production, promotion or sale of consumer goods and services." The Department is authorized to accept complaints involving consumer transactions. We are limited to functioning as an intermediary and working towards a voluntary resolutions unless the business is regulated under the statutes administered by the Department.

Under the guidelines of the Consumer Protection Code, the Department cannot intervene in your complaint if the transaction involves one business with another business or between two individuals, if you are represented by an attorney or if legal action has been taken by one of the parties. If your complaint falls within the jurisdiction of another agency, we are required, by law, to forward it to that agency.

Your complaint will be assigned to an analyst who will determine if the Department can assist you. Written notice will be sent to the business requesting a reply or suggested resolution. Because of record keeping requirements and the need for accuracy, your complaint must be in writing. We cannot accept your complaint by telephone.

Once a reply is received from the business, the analyst will compare the facts presented in your complaint and the facts given by the business. Please contact the Department if your complaint is resolved before you hear from us.

We will contact you if we do not receive a response from the business. If the business fails to respond, the analyst will evaluate the complaint to determine whether to phone the business, recommend Department enforcement or refer the complaint to another agency. Additionally, if the business fails to respond, the business may be added to the Department's "Buyer Beware List."

The Department cannot always resolve complaints to the satisfaction of all consumers; however, we will try to determine the obligation of the business based on the facts. Our complaint analysts are knowledgable about consumer rights and have access to attorneys who provide legal guidance for the staff.

Although consumers may directly or indirectly benefit from administrative or civil actions taken by the Department, Staff Attorneys represent the State of South Carolina and do not represent individuals in Court.

The Department receives a large number of complaints which require varying lengths of time to resolve. Your patience is appreciated and we will contact you as soon as possible.