COLUMBIA, S.C. – A few days just isn’t enough to celebrate National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW)! NCPW is officially March 3-9, but the South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs (SCDCA) is expanding our plans for NCPW with a month of free shred events and educational webinars. Let us help you protect yourself from fraud, identity theft and scams!

Free Shred Events

SCDCA will partner with Shred360 to offer the following free events from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.:

• Monday, March 4: North Charleston Coliseum, Parking Lot A, 5001 Coliseum Dr, North Charleston, SC 29418
• Tuesday, March 5: Shandon Baptist Church, 5250 Forest Dr, Columbia, SC 29206
• Monday, March 11: First Presbyterian Church, 3810 Robert M. Grissom Pkwy, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
• Tuesday, March 19: Cabela’s, 1000 Cabelas Dr., Fort Mill, SC 29708
• Tuesday, March 26: Herring Center at Furman University, Greenville, SC 29617
• Friday, March 29: University of South Carolina - Beaufort, 1 Sand Shark Drive, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928

To shred your sensitive documents in a timely manner, the shred event is set up as a drive-through. Attendees are encouraged to stay in their vehicles and are limited to (3) three boxes (copy paper box or smaller) or (3) three bags (kitchen trash bag or smaller) per vehicle. There is no need to remove binder clips, paper clips, staples, rubber bands or CDs/DVDs prior to shredding.

Free Webinars

Grab a device and log in to a series of free webinars designed to help consumers learn more about their rights and stay safe from identity theft and scams. To register for a specific webinar, click the title links below:

• Wednesday, March 6 at 10:30 a.m. – My Information has been Breached, What Now?
• Thursday, March 7 at 10:30 a.m. – HOAs and The Law
• Wednesday, March 13 at 10:30 a.m. – Take Charge! Be Battery Smart (with DHEC)
• Thursday, March 14 at 2 p.m. – Consumer Protection and Law Basics for Consumers
• Wednesday, March 20 at 10:30 a.m. – Credit Reports and Scores Demystified
• Thursday, March 21 at 2 p.m. – State and Federal Privacy Laws for Businesses
• Wednesday, March 27 at 10:30 a.m. – Social Media Scams

Follow SCDCA on Facebook and Twitter to receive tips throughout NCPW and learn ways to avoid scams and keep your personal identifying information safe.

About SCDCA

Established in 1974, DCA has nearly fifty years of experience in protecting South Carolina consumers while recognizing those businesses that act honestly and fairly. Cultivating a marketplace comprised of well-informed consumers and businesses prevents deceptive and unfair business practices, allows legitimate business activity to flourish, resulting in the promotion of competition and a healthier economy.

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