Here's a quick quiz. Did you know that the Department of Consumer Affairs handles consumer complaints on a statewide basis without charge? And, that the Department also licenses businesses or administers laws that include consumer credit sales, rent-to-own, physical fitness centers, telephone solicitations, pawnbrokers, prizes and gifts solicitations, loan brokers, and continuing care retirement? I am delighted to be a part of the Moneywise series, because consumer information is evolving faster than ever before and consumers need the benefit of up to date information to make good decisions in buying, leasing, borrowing and investing.

    While many South Carolina citizens are aware that they may file complaints at the Department or that the Department represents them in utility proceedings, others have no idea of the other responsibilities we have or how we may assist them. From time to time this column will feature enforcement activities and compliance guides to help regulated businesses avoid compliance problems. Mostly, however, we will provide tips on how consumers can make the best choices in an increasingly complex consumer economy. The Department handles complaints involving the purchase of goods or services for personal, family or household use. We act as mediators and work for the voluntary resolution of a complaint. In some cases, however, complaints may concern violation of statutes we administer, and the agency can take enforcement action. We do not take court action on behalf of individuals although individuals may benefit from the action taken. The agency has no jurisdiction in complaints involving business to business transactions or where parties are represented by attorneys or have commenced legal actions. If complaints fall within the jurisdiction of other agencies, we make sure those complaints are forwarded to them.

    My office provides programs upon request to educate consumers about unfair and deceptive practices through speaking engagements and seminars. Educational material can also be obtained free of charge simply by calling our toll free statewide number. Consumers can also call before they do business with a company and find out the number of complaints filed and how they were resolved. Through this column we will provide information on scams, buying decisions, current complaints, utility and enforcement cases. We may even occasionally see the humorous side of consumer matters.

     While my office recovered nearly a million dollars in either repairs, refunds or exchanges last year, we still have more to do in educating the public on key consumer issues and enhancing its ability to make knowledgeable purchasing decisions. Remember through the "Consumer Bill of Rights" you have the right to choose; right to information; right to safety; right to be heard and the right to consumer information.

    You can contact the Department between the hours of 8:30 a. m. and 5:00 p.m. on our toll free statewide number 1-800-922-1594, locally in the Midlands at 734-4200, by using the e-mail address scdca@dca.state.sc.us, or coming directly to our office at 3600 Forest Drive, 3rd Floor in Columbia.