Click Here for Hope for Homeowners

 

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

Consumer Affairs Partners with Attorney General's Office to Offer Mortgage Fraud Hotline to Consumers

The South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs (SCDCA) and the Attorney General’s (AG) Office are pleased to announce the launching of the state’s first Mortgage Fraud Hotline. (More)

SCDCA Announces Guidelines for 2009 Consumer Spirit Awards Program
The South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs is now accepting nominations for the 2009 Consumer Spirit Awards. The Awards are presented annually to recognize individuals and organizations that empower South Carolinians through consumer protection and education initiatives.  All individuals, organizations, and businesses are encouraged to participate. Nomination forms are available online. (More)

Financial Identity Fraud and Identity Theft Protection Act (FIFITPA) Workshop
The South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs (SCDCA) hosted a free FIFITPA Workshop for state agencies and departments on Tuesday, October 7th at the SC Department of Archives and History. An overview of the FIFITPA and pertinent federal privacy protection laws were discussed and two panels made presentations on developing data security and security breach notification policies. Please find the materials from the Workshop below.

• Presentations
  • Financial Identity Fraud and Identity Theft Protection Act (PDF)
  • Identity Theft & Data Security (PDF)
  • South Carolina's New Privacy Law (PDF)
  • Responding to Data Security Breaches (PDF)
  • Incident Response Security Breaches (PDF)
• Handouts
  • SCDCA- Identity Theft & The Law (PDF)
  • FTC Safeguards Rule (PDF)
  • FTC Information Compromise (PDF)
• Other Important Information
  • OCC Guidelines (PDF)
  • FTC Disposal Rule (PDF)
  • DSIT Information Security Policy (PDF)
  • DSIT- Hardware Sanitization Policy (PDF)
  • DSIT Incident Management Policy (PDF)

Don't let residential real estate fraud take your money, your home, or your identity.
Following several reports of possible rental fraud in neighboring states, the South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs (SCDCA) is alerting would-be renters in the Palmetto State about this common scam and asking consumers to watch for the signs of potential rental fraud. (More)