CURRENT ISSUE
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• Disc-RECESSION-ary spending How to protect your budget during hard times Recession strikes fear in the wallets of many consumers, but the economic forecast has been stormy for some time.

PAST ISSUES
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• Turn down the thermostat, turn up the savings! Energy saving tips for the summer Inside it may be a crisp 72 degrees, but your utility bill is working up a sweat.
• The credit scoring juggle: Exactly what goes into your credit score Your credit score is one of the most important numbers in your life, right behind 911 but ahead of your SAT score. Most of us, however, aren’t completely aware of what factors into a credit score.
• Ways to save at the grocery store Everyone is feeling the pinch at
  the checkout line, and it’s not coming from the fresh lobster you just purchased.
• Don’t let your TV fade to static What you need to know about the
  switch from analog to digital TV At midnight on February 17, 2009, analog television sets will fade to static as all TV signals will become digital.
• Stimulus check in the mail? Not if you don’t file a 2007 tax return (March 2008) The enactment of President George Bush’s economic stimulus package means the check will soon be in the mail for many citizens.
• Think Twice! Avoid using refund anticipation loans for tax returns (February 2008) How would you like to pay a super-high price to borrow money that already belongs to you? Sounds ridiculous, right? But that’s pretty much what happens to many folks at tax time in the crazy world of refund anticipation loans (RALs).
• A New Year’s Resolution to keep: Don’t let physical fitness contracts work you over (January 2008) While many New Year’s
  resolutions may be difficult to keep, one resolution may be practically impossible to abandon.
• Don’t get scrooged when shopping online this season (December 2007) Like a reindeer riding a sled, failing to take precautions when shopping online doesn’t make sense and is potentially dangerous.
• Gift cards are great, just keep these tips in mind (November 2007) In case you haven’t noticed the change in store decorations, the holiday season is fast approaching.
• Don’t take the bait on phishing scams (September 2007) The calender may say Fall, but phishing season is definitely upon us.
• Student loans: Higher education and higher debt (August 2007) An enormous amount of pressure is placed on high school graduates to enroll in a college, technical university, or jobtraining institute...
• Energy tips to help cool your power bill this summer (July 2007) As thermometers across the state continue to rise closer to 100
  degrees, it’s obvious the dog days of summer have set in. The heat,
  however, isn’t the only thing making people uncomfortable ...
• Homebuying101: Bringing consumers closer to the American Dream (June 2007) Consumers interested in purchasing a home should check out Homebuying 101: Building Your Foundation for the American Dream ...
• Take Advantage of these Consumer Affairs Services (May 2007)
• Don’t get hammered by spring home improvements - (April 2007) The warmer weather, and perhaps more importantly your tax refunds, may have you thinking about doing some home improvements. If your home improvements require a professional please consider the following ...
• Don’t pay to borrow your own money: The risks and costs of Tax Refund Anticipation Loans (March 2007 ) How would you like to pay a super-high price to borrow money that already belongs to you?
• Practice these tips for safe online shopping this holiday season - (December 2006) While the holiday season is upon us not everyone is in the spirit of the season. The South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs urges you to keep these helpful hints in mind when doing online shopping this holiday season.
• Don't Let These Unusual Credit Pitfalls Surprise You (November 2006) Most consumers know about the major credit pitfalls – declaring bankruptcy, unpaid bills, etc. – but there are a number of factors creditors take into account that might surprise most consumers.
• Make Sure You Don't Lose an Arm Over Adjustable Rate Mortgages (September 2006) If you are considering an adjustable rate mortgage (ARM) make sure it doesn't end up costing you an ARM and a leg.
• Stop Mortgage Fraud: A Call to Action (July 2006) One of the fastest growing crimes in America is mortgage fraud. It has become a source for higher borrowing cost and increasing taxes for consumers.
• SCDCA Launches Tele-tips (July 2006) The South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs has introduced Tele-Tips—an automated telephone service that allows the department to continue to provide excellent service to the citizens of South Carolina.
• LIVE Online Help For Consumers (March 2006) The South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs (SCDCA) has made it easier for consumers to get assistance on-line with its new webbased program, Ask Consumer
  Affairs.
• South Carolina Essay Competition On Stopping Insurance Fraud (December 2005) The winners of the 2005 Stop Insurance Fraud Essay Competition were honored in a ceremony at the South Carolina State House on November 15, 2005.
• “Active Duty Alerts" Help Protect Deployed Forces from Identity Theft - (September 15, 2005) In an effort to help minimize the risk of identity theft during deployment, recent amendments to the Fair Credit Reporting Act allow military consumers to place an “Active Duty Alert” on their credit reports. The “Active Duty Alert”
• Going Back to School? Educate Yourself About Scams Targeting Students! - (August 25, 2005) Long-distance telephone cards: watch out for cards that provide less time than they promise, ...
• South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs Celebrates 30 Years! - (July 20, 2005) The Department celebrated its 30th anniversary May 18 with over 200 guests and dignitaries from throughout the state. "This was definitely an occasion to remember," said Brandolyn Pinkston, SCDCA Administrator.
• Trinity Collegiate Team Wins South Carolina State LifeSmarts Competition - (April 25, 2005) After a morning of competitive fun on March 4, 2005, Trinity Collegiate edged out F.E. DuBose’s LifeSmarts team to become South Carolina’s LifeSmarts champion for the fourth year in a row.
• Coalition Against Fraud Created - (January 21, 2005) Organized by the South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs, the Coalition Against Fraud convened on December 8, 2004.
• Digging Yourself Into Debt… The Truth About Title Loans - (December 29, 2004) When an unexpected bill or expense appears, consumers often find it difficult to make ends meet.
• SCDCA Welcomes - (December 13, 2004) SCDCA Welcomes the new Director of Consumer Services, Donna DeMichael!
• Credit, Life, or Debt - (December 2004) Almost 200 Midlands middle, high school, and college students attended the Credit, Life, or Debt Conference on November 16 at the State House.
• New Telemarketing Scam - (October 2004)Claiming to be from the "Do Not Call Registry," fraudsters are requesting personal information, including social security numbers.
• Cell Phone Fraud - (November 2004) Costing cell phone carriers more than $150 million per year, subscriber fraud is the primary type of cell phone fraud today.
• You Can't Repossess My Car -- It's On My Property And Other Consumer Beliefs That Are Just Not True!!!!! - (Fall 2002) I do not know how many people really thing monster alligators live int he New York City sewer system. It is clear, however, that certain stories get told ...
• How to Protect Your Privacy - A Lesson on Identity Theft - (May 6, 2001) We've all heard the recent rise in concerns over privacy. You may be asking yourself, "Should I be concerned about my privacy?"
• Need a Loan? Think Twice About Using Your Home as Collateral - (Spring 2002) The State Consumer Advocate suggests that if you need money to pay bills or make home improvements, and think refinancing ...
• National Consumer Protection Month Focuses on Privacy issues - (January/February 2002)The S.C. Department of Consumer Affairs has joined a group of federal, state and local organizations and advocacy groups in celebrating February as .....
• WLTX and SCDCA Working Together to Help You - (Fall 2001) Helpiong consumers is the bottom line of both the Department and the News 19 On Your Side Team. The two have joined in a collaboratie effort to help you.
• Soliciting An Advance Fee In Order To Get A Loan Is Illegal - (Holiday 2001) Need a little extra cash this holiday season? Don't pay for a promise. It is illegal for companies doing business by phone or through ads in local or national newspapers to promise .....
• Medical Records and Your Privacy - (June 12, 2001) One could easily assume that medical records are one of the most confidential part of their life. This may not be an accurate assumption .....
• Preventing a Tragic Trip - (April 4, 2001) A Lesson on Travel Fraud: Summer is just around the corner, and for many South Carolinians, summer time means vacation time.
• Payday Loans Cost More In Long Run - (March 7, 2001) Have you ever heard of paydayloans .. or cash advance loans, check advance loans, post-dated check loans, and deferred deposit check loans?
• Predatory Lending: Promising Dreams - Delivering Nightmares - (February 5, 2001) This year's National Consumer Protection theme is predatory lending.
• You and Discount Prescription Drug Cards - (March 21, 2000) Discount prescription drug cards are in appealing alternative to many consumers.
• Be Wary of Con Artists and Crooks This Holiday Season - (December 7, 2000) "Tis the season to be jolly!" With all of the warmth and happiness that comes with the Holiday season, ...
• Weigh Your Options Before You Decide to Rent-to-Own - (October 19, 2000) Rent-to-Own services can be rendered in numerous ways. For example, you can rent-to-own a home and nearly everything for your home.
• Does South Carolina Need a Universal Service Fund? - (October 5, 2000) Through technological innovation, our workd that heavily relies on telecommunications is continusously advancing.
• What You Should Know About Credit Sales - (September 28, 2000) Have you taken a look at manufactured homes lately? They come in numerouis shapes and sizes.
• Prepaid Legal Services - (September 21, 2000) Prepaid legal services are becoming increasingly popular in South Carolina. Have you evern heard of prepaid legal services?
• Spot Delivery Could Affect You - (September 14, 2000) Are you in the market for a new or used car? In today's complex and financial world there are many opportunities awaiting you.
• Is Predatory Lending Creeping into South Carolina? - (September 7, 2000) Predatory lending is an issue of rising concern all across the United States.
• Avoiding Home Repair Fraud - If you own a home, then you are undoubtedly going to need repairs from time to time. We find the occasional need to fix certain things up around our homes, whether it is repairing a roof, .....