The Official Web Site of the State of South Carolina

You can file a complaint and submit applications for licensing online. Filings you do not wish to make or that are not available online can be submitted via mail for processing. Department staff is available to assist with any questions at (800) 922-1594 (toll free) or 803-734-4200 8:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, excluding State holidays. You can also email general questions to scdca@scconsumer.gov. 

Archived Press Releases

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2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | 2009 | 2008      *Current press releases.

Press releases for 2017
2017
End-of-Year Car Deals: How to Avoid Buying a Flood-Damaged Vehicle Top Five Holiday Shopping Safety Tips
SCDCA's Identity Theft Unit Releases its Fourth Anniversary Report Yahoo Breach Affects 3 Billion Accountholders
State Regulators Reach Settlement with Ocwen Mortgage and Loan Servicing Companies SCDCA Offers Consumer Assistance in Response to Equifax Breach
Proactive Steps to Take in Wake of Massive Equifax Security Breach State of Emergency: SC Residents Urged to Prepare for Hurricane Irma
Scam Alert: Beware of Fraudulent Charities in Wake of Hurricane Harvey SCDCA Fields Nearly 2,000 Complaints during First Half of 2017
Shopping Tips for Sales Tax Holiday SCDCA Offers Comments on Proposed Robocall Rule
Over 700 Scams Reported to SCDCA in the First Half of 2017 Scam Report
SCDCA and Department of Employment and Workforce Partner to Warn Businesses about Scams  CEO/W-2 Scam Alert
SCDCA Announces Several Legislative Updates  Positive Outlook for Homeownership Month
State Agencies Partner for Changes to State Mortgage Lender/Broker Laws Legislative Updates Provide Increased Protections for Consumers
SCDCA Offers Comments on Federal Request for Information Regarding Alternative Data A New Social Media Twist on Government Grant Scams
Ransomware Cyberattack: Tips to Avoid The Trap SCDCA Received Record Number of Breach Notices in 2016
Over 1,600 Scams Reported to SCDCA in 2016 Scam Report
SCDCA Appoints Director of Consumer Services Division SCDCA Celebrates National Consumer Protection Week
Vehicle Complaints Take Top Spot for the Third Year: Over $1 Million to Consumers in 2016 SCDCA and Lt. Governor's Office Partner to Warn Seniors About Scams
SCAM ALERT: Tax Time Scammers Target Businesses SCDCA Report Highlights South Carolina Credit Marketplace 
SCAM ALERT: Scammers Send Fake SCDCA Email  Fake Email
State Regulators Reach $9.65 Million Settlement with Internet Lender  

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Press releases for 2016
2016
Holiday Shopping Series: Avoiding Fake Charities Holiday Shopping Series: Staying Safe Online
Holiday Shopping Series: Getting the Best Deals on Black Friday and Beyond SCDCA Releases New Brochure on Child Identity Theft
SCDCA Offers Comments on Proposed Federal Small Loan Rule SCDCA's Full Comments
MEDIA ADVISORY: SCDCA to Host Advertising Forum in Upstate Beware of Scams in the Wake of Hurricane Matthew
State of Emergency: SC Residents Urged to be Aware of Price Gouging New Brochure: Recovering From a Disaster
Tips for Hacked Yahoo Users Upcoming Webinar: Military Lending Act Updates
Legislative Update: Pawnbroker Statute Shopping Tips for Tax Free Weekend
SCDCA Releases Annual Mortgage Log Analysis Report New Report: 162 Security Breaches Affect More Than 7.6 Million Consumers
Legislative Update: Motor Vehicle Closing Fee Law Amendments Consumers Encouraged to Explore SCDCA Blog
SCDCA Hosts Free Forum to Combat Fraud Scam Alert: Scammers Now Asking for Payment via iTunes Cards
Over 2,000 Scams Reported to SCDCA in 2015 Vehicle Complaints Take Top Spot Again: Over $1 Million to Consumers in 2015
SCDCA Celebrates National Consumer Protection Week SCDCA Launches Consumer Education Blog
Average Consumer Debt Increased by 11% in 2014 Fake IRS Calls Top the List of Scams in 2015 
What You Need to Know Before Joining a Gym Three Things Consumers Should Do in the New Year
SCDCA Appoints Director of Public Information  

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Press releases for 2015
2015
RadioShack Settlement Spotlights Potential Downside to Gift Cards SCDCA Celebrates Fortieth Anniversary with Agency Retrospective
Filling a GAP: New GAP Waiver Law Applies December 1 Tis the Season for Deceiving: Tips for Avoiding Holiday Scammers
New Brochure Outlines How to Avoid Buying A Flood-Damaged Vehicle New Disaster Scam Brochures Available Throughout State
Scam Alert: Avoid Fraudulent Charities Looking to Profit off Flood Scam Alert: Home Repair Scams in Wake of SC Flood
State of Emergency: SC Residents Urged to be Aware of Price Gouging SCDCA Experiences Marked Increase in Public Reach in Fiscal Year 2015
Healthcare Sector Security Breaches Affected Most Consumers in 2014  Shopping Tips for Tax Free Weekend
SCDCA Launches Scam Awareness Campaign Scammers Target SC Consumers for $1.2 Million since November 2014
Scam Alert: Hotel Scammers Have Checked in SCDCA Receives Notable State Document Award
SCDCA Appoints Deputy of Regulatory Enforcement SCDCA, Law Enforcement Partners Crackdown on Deception, Fraud in Auto Sales, Financing and Leasing
Vehicle Complaints Take Top Spot in 2014: Nearly $1 Million to Consumers New Tool Available to Deter Child ID Theft
SCDCA Celebrates National Consumer Protection Week ALERT: Members of Achieve Fitness 
Tax Time Safety Tips SCDCA Partners with Furman University On Senior Outreach Effort
Credit Counseling Report: Average Consumer Debt Nearly $16,000  

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Press releases for 2014
2014
Holiday Online Shopping Tips Ten Tips for Surviving Black Friday
New Members Elected to the Commission on Consumer Affairs SCDCA's Regulatory Filings Reach 2008 Levels
SCDCA Hosts Webinar and Twitter Chat for National Cyber Security Awareness Month SC Department of Consumer Affairs Wins National Award
SCDCA's Identity Theft Unit Celebrates One Year Anniversary Former Cheraw Funeral Home Owner Pleads Guilty; $91,000 in Restitution Ordered
SCDCA Wins Three Awards for Outreach Initiatives Scam Alert: Scammers Posing as SCDCA
Community Health Systems Breach: Consumer Tips 1.2 Billion Usernames & Passwords Stolen: What Should You Do?
SCDCA's Summertime Safety Tips Scam Alert: Latest Twist on Jury Duty Scam
SCDCA Celebrates Homeownership Month Phishing is #1 Reported Scam at SCDCA
Tips for Hacked eBay Users Scam Alert: Fake Sweepstakes on Social Media
Five Tax Time Tips You Need to Know SCDCA Appoints Deputy Administrator
Debt Collection Complaints Take Top Spot Again SCDCA Gears Up for National Consumer Protection Week
America Saves: SCDCA Offers Valuable Resources for Financial Literacy Scam Alert: Locksmith Swindlers
Over Half a Million Consumers Affected by Security Breaches in 2013 Tips for Hacked Yahoo Mail Users
Debt Collection Scammers on the Prowl SCDCA Launches Online Consumer Complaint System
SCDCA Offers Tax ID Theft Seminar for Military ALERT: Former Members of New Life Fitness World
Mortgage Log Entries Double in 2012  

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Press releases for 2013
2013
Avoiding Fraudsters This Holiday Season Holiday Shopping Tips
SCDCA Wins Award for Identity Theft Outreach One Month Later: SCDCA's Identity Theft Unit Reaches More Than 16,000 People
Jeepers Creepers, Protect Those Peepers Scam Alert: Scammers Find New Way to Steal Money
SCDCA Releases Guide to Identity Theft SCDCA Launches Identity Theft Unit
Identity Theft Protection Options SCDCA Recovers $30 Million (Infographic) (Report)
Scam Alert: Healthcare Scams on the Rise Sweepstakes/Lottery Scams #1 Reported Scam
Responding to Credit and Debit Card Fraud Scam Alert: Medical Alert Device
Homeownership Month: Guide Aims to Address SC Foreclosure Woes (The Guide) Help for Homeowners Foreclosure Prevention Event
ID Theft: FREE Monitoring Tools SCDCA Announces Multi-State/Multi-National Travel Scam Initiative
Debt Collection Holds #1 Consumer Complaint Spot; Over $1.3 Million to Consumers SCDCA's YouTube Channel Turns 5; Secret Shopper Scams #1 Viewed
Lower Richland Places 31st in National LifeSmarts Competition SCDCA Fields Over 33,000 ID Theft Related Calls
Scam Alert: Fake Charities Scam Alert: Deeds For a Fee
SCDCA Celebrates Social Media Achievements SCDCA Releases New ID Theft Video (YouTube Video)
SCDCA to Host Identity Theft Twitter Chat (Twitter Chat flyer) Lower Richland High School Wins South Carolina LifeSmarts Competition
Scam Alert: Government Grant Scams SCDCA Celebrates National Consumer Protection Week March 4th-8th (NCPW flyer)
Free ID Theft Seminar and Consultations in Columbia (ID Theft Seminar flyer) Free ID Theft Seminar and Consultations in Florence County (ID Theft Seminar flyer)
New YouTube Video: Worried about Identity Theft? (YouTube Video) Scam Alert: Credit Alert Phishing E-mail
Webinars Offered:The Truth About Identity Protection ID Theft Prevention: Notifying the Credit Bureaus of a Death

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Press releases for 2012
2012
Product Safety This Holiday Season Credit Counseling Report: Average Consumer Debt Nearly $19,000
SCDCA Article Featured on National Website ID Theft Webinar Open To Public
Over 25,000 People Assisted Through ID Theft Outreach Cheraw Man Indicted on 106 Preneed Law Violations
Final Big Money Pawn Redemption Date Scam Alert: Medicare Phone Scam
What You Should Know About Holiday Shopping Big Money Pawn Redemption Date
Consumer Protection Webinars Offered Minimizing the Effects of a Security Breach
Mortgage Settlement Claim Forms Mailed Independent Foreclosure Review Deadline Extended
SCDCA Announces Increased Protection for Consumers Hilton Head Pawn Shop Closes
SCDCA Cited in National Complaint Survey SCDCA Updates Consumer Credit Guide for Businesses
Scam Alert: President Obama Utility Bill Payment Scam SC Consumers Can Benefit from RealNetworks Settlement
Foreclosure Review Deadline Approaching Debt Collection Complaints Remain #1; Nearly $700,000 to Consumers
Sign Up For FREE Fraud Alerts Scam Alert: Student Loan Repayment
SCDCA to Participate in Florence Library "Money Madness" Teen Lock-In SCDCA Launches New Website
Lower Richland High School to Represent South Carolina at National LifeSmarts Competition, Again!  SCDCA Celebrates National Consumer Protection Week March 5th-9th 
Scam Alert: Multi-State Mortgage Settlement Scam Scam Alert: Airline Phishing E-mail

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Press releases for 2011
2011
Unlicensed Loan Originator Pleads Guilty Options Announced for Consumers Harmed During the Foreclosure Process
Commission on Consumer Affairs Names Lybarker Administrator LifeSmarts 2011-2012 is Underway
SCDCA to Participate in Florence Library Fall Festival SCDCA Issues Inaugural Security Breach Report
ALERT: Former Members of ZX Fitness Mortgage Disclosure Forms Getting a Makeover
Mortgage Fraud Hotline Data Supports Supreme Court Order Debt Collection Complaints Top Listing; $580,000 Back to Consumers
SCDCA Reaches Social Media Milestones SCDCA Recognized for Consumer Publication
SCDCA Celebrates National Consumer Protection Week March 7th- 11th SCDCA Announces Launch of Mortgage Log System
FREE Shred Day events in North Charleston, Columbia and Greenville 2011"If I Had $100, I Would....¦." Essay Winners Inventive, Savvy
Commission on Consumer Affairs Names Carri Lybarker SCDCA Acting Administrator  

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Press releases for 2010
2010
SC Department of Consumer Affairs Moving to New Columbia Location Sharon C. Bramlett reappointed as Chair of Council of Advisors
SC Department of Consumer Affairs Appoints Deputy Director New Anti-Fraud Program to be Launched in South Carolina
Consumer Affairs to Sponsor FREE SHRED DAY this Friday FREE Midlands Shred Day
SCDCA Announces New Chair of Commission on Consumer Affairs and New Commission Members SCDCA Announces Re-launch of Mortgage Fraud Hotline 
SCDCA Returns to Summerville on April 15, 2010 SCDCA Returns to Gaffney on April 8, 2010
SCDCA Honored at BBB Torch Awards Consumer Affairs to Sponsor SHRED DAY in Charleston
Winning Essays from 2009-2010 Essay Competition "If I Had $100, I Would..." Consumer Affairs to Sponsor SHRED DAY at Three Midlands Locations
 

Over $2,500,000 Recovered for South Carolina Consumers, including $839,000 from a California Debt Settlement Company

 SCDCA Highlights Consumer Protection Week with Award Ceremony
Consumer Affairs to Sponsor SHRED DAY in Aiken SCDCA Encourages Educators to Participate in “The Challenge”
Aiken Shred Day Midlands Shred Day
Charleston Shred Day Consumers Encouraged to Protect Their Privacy Online
SCDCA Announces Launch of “NMLS CONSUMER ACCESS” SCDCA Returns to Laurens on January 28, 2010
SCDCA Returns to Summerville on January 21, 2010 SCDCA Informs About Preneed Contracts and Licenses
SCDCA Returns to Gaffney on January 14, 2010  

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Press releases for 2009
2009
SCDCA Investigator Receives Top Honor SC Consumers May be Affected by Alabama Court Ruling
Reverse Mortgage Workshop Open to the Public Essay Competition for South Carolina 5TH and 6TH Graders
SCDCA Returns to Laurens on October 22, 2009 Consumer Affairs Sponsors Greenville, SC Shred Day
Shred Day and Thanksgiving Food Drive Consumer Affairs Hosts Webinars for Consumers and Businesses
SCDCA Helps Consumers Transfer Contracts Following Business Closing SCDCA Returns to Summerville on October 15, 2009
National Mortgage Licensing System Provides Uniformity for Industry and Searchable Database for Consumer Credit Cardholder Bill
End of Fiscal Year Report Consumer Affairs Issues Alert About Security Breach
Back-to-School Scams (Part Three): Phishing and Online Degree Scams Midlands Residents Give Big to South Carolina Schools
Back-to-School Scams (Part Two): Contact and Membership Scams Back-to-School Scams (Part One): Scholarship and Student Aid Scams
Consumer Affairs Warns Children at Risk for Identity Theft SCDCA Returns to Summerville on July 9, 2009
SCDCA Returns to Florence on July 8, 2009 SCDCA Returns to Pacolet on July 1, 2009
SCDCA Returns to Gaffney on June 25, 2009 SCDCA Returns to Greenwood on June 25, 2009
SCDCA Returns to Spartanburg on June 23, 2009 Department of Consumer Affairs Says Don't Get Jury Rigged
Department of Consumer Affairs Issues Warning about Debt Collection Scam SCDCA Returns to Laurens on June 18, 2009
Alert: Former Members of the Factory Protecting Tenants in Foreclosure
SCDCA Returns to Summerville on June 11, 2009 Consumer Affairs Reminds South Carolinians to Prepare for Hurricane Season
SCDCA Returns to Florence on June 10, 2009 SCDCA Returns to Spartanburg on May 26, 2009
SCDCA Returns to Pacolet on June 3, 2009 SCDCA Returns to Greenwood on May 28, 2009
SCDCA Returns to Gaffney on May 29, 2009 Residential Real Estate Fraud Targeting the Lowcountry
SCDCA Returns to Laurens on May 21, 2009 S.C. Supreme Court Rules in Favor of Consumer Affairs
Car Warranty Scams Haven't Stopped - and the Economy Makes It Worse Department of Consumer Affairs Warns About Growing Secret Shopper Scams Plaguing Palmetto State
SCDCA Returns to Florence on May 13, 2009 SCDCA Returns to Pacolet on May 6, 2009
Department of Consumer Affairs Issues Critical Warning for Greer State Bank Customers and Other Area Consumers Fake Checks Still Cashing in on South Carolinians
SCDCA Returns to Greenwood on April 23, 2009 SCDCA Returns to Gaffney on April 23, 2009
SCDCA Returns to Laurens on April 16, 2009 SCDCA Returns to Summerville on April 9, 2009
SCDCA Returns to Florence on April 8, 2009 Department of Consumer Affairs Reminds Consumers to Check the Domain Name Before Filing Complaints Online
Consumer/Business Fraud in the Food Service Industry SCDCA Returns to Gaffney on March 26, 2009
SCDCA Returns to Greenwood on March 25, 2009 Department Warns Consumers to be Wary of Scams on Twitter
SCDCA Returns to Spartanburg on March 24, 2009 Consumer Affairs now on Facebook and Twitter
SCDCA Returns to Laurens on March 19, 2009 Department of Consumer Affairs Seeing More Economic Stimulus Scams
SCDCA Returns to Summerville on March 12, 2009 SCDCA Sponsors Florence Shred Day on March 11, 2009
SCDCA Returns to Pacolet on March 4, 2009 Consumer Affairs to Sponsor SHRED DAY at Two Midlands Locations
Federal and State Agencies Partner for March 3 Consumer Protection Workshop SCDCA Returns to Gaffney on February 26, 2009
SCDCA Returns to Greenwood on February 26, 2009 SCDCA Returns to Spartanburg on February 24, 2009
Consumer Affairs Supports New ID Theft Law with Shred Day SCDCA Returns to Laurens on February 19, 2009
Consumers Should Dispute Erroneous Charges SCDCA Returns to Summerville on February 12, 2009
SCDCA Returns to Florence on February 11, 2009 Consumer Affairs Cautions About Searching For Jobs Online
Consumer Affairs Issues Tips About Fitness Club Memberships SCDCA Returns to Pacolet on February 4, 2009
SCDCA Returns to Spartanburg on January 27, 2009 Department of Consumer Affairs Issues Critical Warning Regarding Tax Rebate Scam
Consumer Affairs Issues Tips About Fitness Club Memberships SCDCA Returns to Greenwood on January 22, 2009
SCDCA Returns to Gaffney on January 22, 2009 Consumer Agency Issues Savvy Consumer “Commandments”for 2009
SCDCA Returns to Laurens on January 15, 2009  

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Press releases for 2008
2008
Capital One Phishing Scam Spreading SCDCA Returns to Gaffney on December 17, 2008
Secret Shopper Scams Could Spoil Your Holiday Season Department of Consumer Affairs Posts Maximum Rates Online
Henry B. Summer Co to Offer Important Seasonal Consumer Workshop Consumer Agency Warns about Class Action Lawsuit Scam
SCDCA Returns to Pacolet on December 3, 2008 SCDCA Returns to Spartanburg on November 25, 2008
SCDCA Announces Guidelines for 2009 Consumer Spirit Awards Program SCDCA Returns to Laurens on November 20, 2008
SCDCA Returns to Greenwood on November 20, 2008 SCDCA Returns to Gaffney on November 17, 2008
SCDCA Returns to Summerville on November 13, 2008 SCDCA Returns to Florence on November 12, 2008
SCDCA Returns to Pacolet on November 5, 2008 Cosmetic Contact Lenses May Not Be a Safe Costume Accessory
SCDCA Returns to Spartanburg on October 28, 2008 SCDCA Returns to Gaffney on October 23, 2008
Consumer Agency Warns that Scammers May Be Using Phony You Tube Links to Break into Computers SCDCA Returns to Laurens on October 16, 2008
Department of Consumer Affairs Reaches Settlement Agreement with Athlete Agent and Company SCDCA Returns to Summerville on October 9, 2008
SCDCA Returns to Florence on October 8, 2008 Consumer Agency Warns Businesses Not to Purchase Government Posters
Department of Consumer Affairs Issues Warning about Voter Registration Scam Department of Consumer Affairs Issues Warning about Hurricane Preparedness and Scams
SCDCA Returns to Pacolet on October 1, 2008 SCDCA Returns to Greenwood on September 25, 2008
SCDCA Returns to Gaffney on September 25, 2008 SCDCA Returns to Laurens on September 18, 2008
SCDCA Returns to Summerville on September 11, 2008 SCDCA Returns to Florence on September 10, 2008
SCDCA Returns to Greenwood on August 28, 2008 SCDCA Returns to Gaffney on August 28, 2008
Department of Consumer Affairs Warns Midlands Neighborhoods About Door-to-Door Book Scams SCDCA Returns to Spartanburg on August 27, 2008
SCDCA Returns to Laurens on August 22, 2008 Car Warranty Scams
Consumer Affairs Warns About Back-to-School Scams Residential Rental Scam: Combining Fraud with Risk of Identity Theft
SCDCA Returns to Summerville on August 14, 2008 SCDCA Returns to Florence on August 13, 2008
Fraud and Scam Warnings for South Carolinians Consumer Affairs Provides Parents School Saving Tips
Mortgage Fraud Hotline Update SCDCA Returns to Pacolet on July 30, 2008
South Carolina Agency Reports Banner Year for Consumer/Business Funds Recovery SCDCA Returns to Greenwood on July 24, 2008
SCDCA Returns to Gaffney on July 24, 2008 SCDCA Returns to Spartanburg on July 23, 2008
South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs Recognized Nationally for Outstanding Service Ladies Choice Fitness Center - Closing Summerville Location
SCDCA Returns to Laurens on July 17, 2008 SCDCA Returns to Florence on July 9, 2008
SCDCA Returns to Summerville on July 10, 2008 Department of Consumer Affairs and Cherokee County Library Sponsor ID Theft Workshop
SCDCA Returns to Greenwood on June 26, 2008 SCDCA Returns to Spartanburg on June 24, 2008
SCDCA Returns to Laurens on June 19, 2008 Consumer Affairs Partners with Attorney General's Office to Offer Mortgage Fraud Hotline to Consumers
SCDCA Returns to Summerville on June 12, 2008 SCDCA Returns to Florence on June 11, 2008
“Homebuying 101”- A Free Conference for Consumers Consumer Affairs to Open Pacolet Satellite in June
Consumer Affairs Visits Spartanburg Community on May 29, 2008 SCDCA Returns to Gaffney on May 22, 2008 
SCDCA Returns to Greenwood on May 22, 2008 Consumer Advocate and NCII Reach Settlement on Proposed Rate Increases Potentially Saving Consumers $130 Million
SCDCA Returns to Florence on May 14, 2008 SCDCA Returns to Laurens on May 15, 2008
Consumer Affairs to Provide Summerville Community Tips on Credit Repair Department of Consumer Affairs Warns Consumers about Medicare Telephone Scam and Other Health-Related Fraud
South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs Supports Efforts to Regulate Mortgage Lending Industry Through S.1090 Identity Theft Bill Provides More Protection for Consumers
Department of Consumer Affairs Cautions About Getting an Honest Appraisal Consumer Affairs to Provide Gaffney Community Tips on Credit Repair
Consumer Affairs to Provide Spartanburg Community Tips on Credit Repair SCDCA Returns to Greenwood on April 17, 2008
SCDCA Returns to Laurens on April 17, 2008 SCDCA Returns to Summerville on April 10, 2008
Consumer Affairs to Open Florence Satellite in April SCDCA Returns to Gaffney on March 28, 2008
Department of Consumer Affairs Issues Warning on Tornado Damage and Home Repairs Consumer Affairs to Visit Florence
SCDCA Returns to Summerville on March 13, 2008 Trinity Collegiate School Wins State LifeSmarts Competition
State Consumer Agency Presents Consumer Spirit Awards SCDCA Returns to Greenwood on February 28, 2008
SCDCA Returns to Gaffney on February 28, 2008 Consumer Agency Warns Against Being Overcharged for Deed Copies
SCDCA Returns to Laurens on February 21, 2008 SCDCA Returns to Summerville on February 14, 2008
Department of Consumer Affairs Issues Critical Warning Regarding Tax Rebate Scam SCDCA Returns to Newberry on January 31, 2008
SCDCA Returns to Gaffney on January 24, 2008 Consumer Affairs Visits Spartanburg Community January 22, 2008
SCDCA Returns to Greenwood on January 17, 2008 SCDCA Returns to Laurens on January 17, 2008
Consumer Affairs to Sponsor SHRED DAY at Two Midlands Locations SCDCA Returns to Summerville on January 10, 2008

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