The Official Web Site of the State of South Carolina

The Department will be closed Monday, February 2 due to winter weather. 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. 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 VehicleTop Five Holiday Shopping Safety Tips
SCDCA's Identity Theft Unit Releases its Fourth Anniversary ReportYahoo Breach Affects 3 Billion Accountholders
State Regulators Reach Settlement with Ocwen Mortgage and Loan Servicing CompaniesSCDCA Offers Consumer Assistance in Response to Equifax Breach
Proactive Steps to Take in Wake of Massive Equifax Security BreachState of Emergency: SC Residents Urged to Prepare for Hurricane Irma
Scam Alert: Beware of Fraudulent Charities in Wake of Hurricane HarveySCDCA Fields Nearly 2,000 Complaints during First Half of 2017
Shopping Tips for Sales Tax HolidaySCDCA Offers Comments on Proposed Robocall Rule
Over 700 Scams Reported to SCDCA in the First Half of 2017Scam 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 LawsLegislative Updates Provide Increased Protections for Consumers
SCDCA Offers Comments on Federal Request for Information Regarding Alternative DataA New Social Media Twist on Government Grant Scams
Ransomware Cyberattack: Tips to Avoid The TrapSCDCA Received Record Number of Breach Notices in 2016
Over 1,600 Scams Reported to SCDCA in 2016Scam Report
SCDCA Appoints Director of Consumer Services DivisionSCDCA Celebrates National Consumer Protection Week
Vehicle Complaints Take Top Spot for the Third Year: Over $1 Million to Consumers in 2016SCDCA and Lt. Governor's Office Partner to Warn Seniors About Scams
SCAM ALERT: Tax Time Scammers Target BusinessesSCDCA 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 CharitiesHoliday Shopping Series: Staying Safe Online
Holiday Shopping Series: Getting the Best Deals on Black Friday and BeyondSCDCA Releases New Brochure on Child Identity Theft
SCDCA Offers Comments on Proposed Federal Small Loan RuleSCDCA's Full Comments
MEDIA ADVISORY: SCDCA to Host Advertising Forum in UpstateBeware of Scams in the Wake of Hurricane Matthew
State of Emergency: SC Residents Urged to be Aware of Price GougingNew Brochure: Recovering From a Disaster
Tips for Hacked Yahoo UsersUpcoming Webinar: Military Lending Act Updates
Legislative Update: Pawnbroker StatuteShopping Tips for Tax Free Weekend
SCDCA Releases Annual Mortgage Log Analysis ReportNew Report: 162 Security Breaches Affect More Than 7.6 Million Consumers
Legislative Update: Motor Vehicle Closing Fee Law AmendmentsConsumers Encouraged to Explore SCDCA Blog
SCDCA Hosts Free Forum to Combat FraudScam Alert: Scammers Now Asking for Payment via iTunes Cards
Over 2,000 Scams Reported to SCDCA in 2015Vehicle Complaints Take Top Spot Again: Over $1 Million to Consumers in 2015
SCDCA Celebrates National Consumer Protection WeekSCDCA Launches Consumer Education Blog
Average Consumer Debt Increased by 11% in 2014Fake IRS Calls Top the List of Scams in 2015 
What You Need to Know Before Joining a GymThree 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 CardsSCDCA Celebrates Fortieth Anniversary with Agency Retrospective
Filling a GAP: New GAP Waiver Law Applies December 1Tis the Season for Deceiving: Tips for Avoiding Holiday Scammers
New Brochure Outlines How to Avoid Buying A Flood-Damaged VehicleNew Disaster Scam Brochures Available Throughout State
Scam Alert: Avoid Fraudulent Charities Looking to Profit off FloodScam Alert: Home Repair Scams in Wake of SC Flood
State of Emergency: SC Residents Urged to be Aware of Price GougingSCDCA 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 CampaignScammers Target SC Consumers for $1.2 Million since November 2014
Scam Alert: Hotel Scammers Have Checked inSCDCA Receives Notable State Document Award
SCDCA Appoints Deputy of Regulatory EnforcementSCDCA, Law Enforcement Partners Crackdown on Deception, Fraud in Auto Sales, Financing and Leasing
Vehicle Complaints Take Top Spot in 2014: Nearly $1 Million to ConsumersNew Tool Available to Deter Child ID Theft
SCDCA Celebrates National Consumer Protection WeekALERT: Members of Achieve Fitness 
Tax Time Safety TipsSCDCA 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 TipsTen Tips for Surviving Black Friday
New Members Elected to the Commission on Consumer AffairsSCDCA's Regulatory Filings Reach 2008 Levels
SCDCA Hosts Webinar and Twitter Chat for National Cyber Security Awareness MonthSC Department of Consumer Affairs Wins National Award
SCDCA's Identity Theft Unit Celebrates One Year AnniversaryFormer Cheraw Funeral Home Owner Pleads Guilty; $91,000 in Restitution Ordered
SCDCA Wins Three Awards for Outreach InitiativesScam Alert: Scammers Posing as SCDCA
Community Health Systems Breach: Consumer Tips1.2 Billion Usernames & Passwords Stolen: What Should You Do?
SCDCA's Summertime Safety TipsScam Alert: Latest Twist on Jury Duty Scam
SCDCA Celebrates Homeownership MonthPhishing is #1 Reported Scam at SCDCA
Tips for Hacked eBay UsersScam Alert: Fake Sweepstakes on Social Media
Five Tax Time Tips You Need to KnowSCDCA Appoints Deputy Administrator
Debt Collection Complaints Take Top Spot AgainSCDCA Gears Up for National Consumer Protection Week
America Saves: SCDCA Offers Valuable Resources for Financial LiteracyScam Alert: Locksmith Swindlers
Over Half a Million Consumers Affected by Security Breaches in 2013Tips for Hacked Yahoo Mail Users
Debt Collection Scammers on the ProwlSCDCA Launches Online Consumer Complaint System
SCDCA Offers Tax ID Theft Seminar for MilitaryALERT: 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 SeasonHoliday Shopping Tips
SCDCA Wins Award for Identity Theft OutreachOne Month Later: SCDCA's Identity Theft Unit Reaches More Than 16,000 People
Jeepers Creepers, Protect Those PeepersScam Alert: Scammers Find New Way to Steal Money
SCDCA Releases Guide to Identity TheftSCDCA Launches Identity Theft Unit
Identity Theft Protection OptionsSCDCA Recovers $30 Million (Infographic) (Report)
Scam Alert: Healthcare Scams on the RiseSweepstakes/Lottery Scams #1 Reported Scam
Responding to Credit and Debit Card FraudScam 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 ToolsSCDCA Announces Multi-State/Multi-National Travel Scam Initiative
Debt Collection Holds #1 Consumer Complaint Spot; Over $1.3 Million to ConsumersSCDCA's YouTube Channel Turns 5; Secret Shopper Scams #1 Viewed
Lower Richland Places 31st in National LifeSmarts CompetitionSCDCA Fields Over 33,000 ID Theft Related Calls
Scam Alert: Fake CharitiesScam Alert: Deeds For a Fee
SCDCA Celebrates Social Media AchievementsSCDCA 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 ScamsSCDCA 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 ProtectionID Theft Prevention: Notifying the Credit Bureaus of a Death

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Press releases for 2012
2012
Product Safety This Holiday SeasonCredit Counseling Report: Average Consumer Debt Nearly $19,000
SCDCA Article Featured on National WebsiteID Theft Webinar Open To Public
Over 25,000 People Assisted Through ID Theft OutreachCheraw Man Indicted on 106 Preneed Law Violations
Final Big Money Pawn Redemption DateScam Alert: Medicare Phone Scam
What You Should Know About Holiday ShoppingBig Money Pawn Redemption Date
Consumer Protection Webinars OfferedMinimizing the Effects of a Security Breach
Mortgage Settlement Claim Forms MailedIndependent Foreclosure Review Deadline Extended
SCDCA Announces Increased Protection for ConsumersHilton Head Pawn Shop Closes
SCDCA Cited in National Complaint SurveySCDCA Updates Consumer Credit Guide for Businesses
Scam Alert: President Obama Utility Bill Payment ScamSC Consumers Can Benefit from RealNetworks Settlement
Foreclosure Review Deadline ApproachingDebt Collection Complaints Remain #1; Nearly $700,000 to Consumers
Sign Up For FREE Fraud AlertsScam Alert: Student Loan Repayment
SCDCA to Participate in Florence Library "Money Madness" Teen Lock-InSCDCA 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 ScamScam Alert: Airline Phishing E-mail

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Press releases for 2011
2011
Unlicensed Loan Originator Pleads GuiltyOptions Announced for Consumers Harmed During the Foreclosure Process
Commission on Consumer Affairs Names Lybarker AdministratorLifeSmarts 2011-2012 is Underway
SCDCA to Participate in Florence Library Fall FestivalSCDCA Issues Inaugural Security Breach Report
ALERT: Former Members of ZX FitnessMortgage Disclosure Forms Getting a Makeover
Mortgage Fraud Hotline Data Supports Supreme Court OrderDebt Collection Complaints Top Listing; $580,000 Back to Consumers
SCDCA Reaches Social Media MilestonesSCDCA Recognized for Consumer Publication
SCDCA Celebrates National Consumer Protection Week March 7th- 11thSCDCA Announces Launch of Mortgage Log System
FREE Shred Day events in North Charleston, Columbia and Greenville2011"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 LocationSharon C. Bramlett reappointed as Chair of Council of Advisors
SC Department of Consumer Affairs Appoints Deputy DirectorNew Anti-Fraud Program to be Launched in South Carolina
Consumer Affairs to Sponsor FREE SHRED DAY this FridayFREE Midlands Shred Day
SCDCA Announces New Chair of Commission on Consumer Affairs and New Commission MembersSCDCA Announces Re-launch of Mortgage Fraud Hotline 
SCDCA Returns to Summerville on April 15, 2010SCDCA Returns to Gaffney on April 8, 2010
SCDCA Honored at BBB Torch AwardsConsumer 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 CompanySCDCA Highlights Consumer Protection Week with Award Ceremony
Consumer Affairs to Sponsor SHRED DAY in AikenSCDCA Encourages Educators to Participate in “The Challenge”
Aiken Shred DayMidlands Shred Day
Charleston Shred DayConsumers 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, 2010SCDCA 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 HonorSC Consumers May be Affected by Alabama Court Ruling
Reverse Mortgage Workshop Open to the PublicEssay Competition for South Carolina 5TH and 6TH Graders
SCDCA Returns to Laurens on October 22, 2009Consumer Affairs Sponsors Greenville, SC Shred Day
Shred Day and Thanksgiving Food DriveConsumer Affairs Hosts Webinars for Consumers and Businesses
SCDCA Helps Consumers Transfer Contracts Following Business ClosingSCDCA Returns to Summerville on October 15, 2009
National Mortgage Licensing System Provides Uniformity for Industry and Searchable Database for ConsumerCredit Cardholder Bill
End of Fiscal Year ReportConsumer Affairs Issues Alert About Security Breach
Back-to-School Scams (Part Three): Phishing and Online Degree ScamsMidlands Residents Give Big to South Carolina Schools
Back-to-School Scams (Part Two): Contact and Membership ScamsBack-to-School Scams (Part One): Scholarship and Student Aid Scams
Consumer Affairs Warns Children at Risk for Identity TheftSCDCA Returns to Summerville on July 9, 2009
SCDCA Returns to Florence on July 8, 2009SCDCA Returns to Pacolet on July 1, 2009
SCDCA Returns to Gaffney on June 25, 2009SCDCA Returns to Greenwood on June 25, 2009
SCDCA Returns to Spartanburg on June 23, 2009Department of Consumer Affairs Says Don't Get Jury Rigged
Department of Consumer Affairs Issues Warning about Debt Collection ScamSCDCA Returns to Laurens on June 18, 2009
Alert: Former Members of the FactoryProtecting Tenants in Foreclosure
SCDCA Returns to Summerville on June 11, 2009Consumer Affairs Reminds South Carolinians to Prepare for Hurricane Season
SCDCA Returns to Florence on June 10, 2009SCDCA Returns to Spartanburg on May 26, 2009
SCDCA Returns to Pacolet on June 3, 2009SCDCA Returns to Greenwood on May 28, 2009
SCDCA Returns to Gaffney on May 29, 2009Residential Real Estate Fraud Targeting the Lowcountry
SCDCA Returns to Laurens on May 21, 2009S.C. Supreme Court Rules in Favor of Consumer Affairs
Car Warranty Scams Haven't Stopped - and the Economy Makes It WorseDepartment of Consumer Affairs Warns About Growing Secret Shopper Scams Plaguing Palmetto State
SCDCA Returns to Florence on May 13, 2009SCDCA Returns to Pacolet on May 6, 2009
Department of Consumer Affairs Issues Critical Warning for Greer State Bank Customers and Other Area ConsumersFake Checks Still Cashing in on South Carolinians
SCDCA Returns to Greenwood on April 23, 2009SCDCA Returns to Gaffney on April 23, 2009
SCDCA Returns to Laurens on April 16, 2009SCDCA Returns to Summerville on April 9, 2009
SCDCA Returns to Florence on April 8, 2009Department of Consumer Affairs Reminds Consumers to Check the Domain Name Before Filing Complaints Online
Consumer/Business Fraud in the Food Service IndustrySCDCA Returns to Gaffney on March 26, 2009
SCDCA Returns to Greenwood on March 25, 2009Department Warns Consumers to be Wary of Scams on Twitter
SCDCA Returns to Spartanburg on March 24, 2009Consumer Affairs now on Facebook and Twitter
SCDCA Returns to Laurens on March 19, 2009Department of Consumer Affairs Seeing More Economic Stimulus Scams
SCDCA Returns to Summerville on March 12, 2009SCDCA Sponsors Florence Shred Day on March 11, 2009
SCDCA Returns to Pacolet on March 4, 2009Consumer Affairs to Sponsor SHRED DAY at Two Midlands Locations
Federal and State Agencies Partner for March 3 Consumer Protection WorkshopSCDCA Returns to Gaffney on February 26, 2009
SCDCA Returns to Greenwood on February 26, 2009SCDCA Returns to Spartanburg on February 24, 2009
Consumer Affairs Supports New ID Theft Law with Shred DaySCDCA Returns to Laurens on February 19, 2009
Consumers Should Dispute Erroneous ChargesSCDCA Returns to Summerville on February 12, 2009
SCDCA Returns to Florence on February 11, 2009Consumer Affairs Cautions About Searching For Jobs Online
Consumer Affairs Issues Tips About Fitness Club MembershipsSCDCA Returns to Pacolet on February 4, 2009
SCDCA Returns to Spartanburg on January 27, 2009Department of Consumer Affairs Issues Critical Warning Regarding Tax Rebate Scam
Consumer Affairs Issues Tips About Fitness Club MembershipsSCDCA Returns to Greenwood on January 22, 2009
SCDCA Returns to Gaffney on January 22, 2009Consumer 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 SpreadingSCDCA Returns to Gaffney on December 17, 2008
Secret Shopper Scams Could Spoil Your Holiday SeasonDepartment of Consumer Affairs Posts Maximum Rates Online
Henry B. Summer Co to Offer Important Seasonal Consumer WorkshopConsumer Agency Warns about Class Action Lawsuit Scam
SCDCA Returns to Pacolet on December 3, 2008SCDCA Returns to Spartanburg on November 25, 2008
SCDCA Announces Guidelines for 2009 Consumer Spirit Awards ProgramSCDCA Returns to Laurens on November 20, 2008
SCDCA Returns to Greenwood on November 20, 2008SCDCA Returns to Gaffney on November 17, 2008
SCDCA Returns to Summerville on November 13, 2008SCDCA Returns to Florence on November 12, 2008
SCDCA Returns to Pacolet on November 5, 2008Cosmetic Contact Lenses May Not Be a Safe Costume Accessory
SCDCA Returns to Spartanburg on October 28, 2008SCDCA Returns to Gaffney on October 23, 2008
Consumer Agency Warns that Scammers May Be Using Phony You Tube Links to Break into ComputersSCDCA Returns to Laurens on October 16, 2008
Department of Consumer Affairs Reaches Settlement Agreement with Athlete Agent and CompanySCDCA Returns to Summerville on October 9, 2008
SCDCA Returns to Florence on October 8, 2008Consumer Agency Warns Businesses Not to Purchase Government Posters
Department of Consumer Affairs Issues Warning about Voter Registration ScamDepartment of Consumer Affairs Issues Warning about Hurricane Preparedness and Scams
SCDCA Returns to Pacolet on October 1, 2008SCDCA Returns to Greenwood on September 25, 2008
SCDCA Returns to Gaffney on September 25, 2008SCDCA Returns to Laurens on September 18, 2008
SCDCA Returns to Summerville on September 11, 2008SCDCA Returns to Florence on September 10, 2008
SCDCA Returns to Greenwood on August 28, 2008SCDCA Returns to Gaffney on August 28, 2008
Department of Consumer Affairs Warns Midlands Neighborhoods About Door-to-Door Book ScamsSCDCA Returns to Spartanburg on August 27, 2008
SCDCA Returns to Laurens on August 22, 2008Car Warranty Scams
Consumer Affairs Warns About Back-to-School ScamsResidential Rental Scam: Combining Fraud with Risk of Identity Theft
SCDCA Returns to Summerville on August 14, 2008SCDCA Returns to Florence on August 13, 2008
Fraud and Scam Warnings for South CaroliniansConsumer Affairs Provides Parents School Saving Tips
Mortgage Fraud Hotline UpdateSCDCA Returns to Pacolet on July 30, 2008
South Carolina Agency Reports Banner Year for Consumer/Business Funds RecoverySCDCA Returns to Greenwood on July 24, 2008
SCDCA Returns to Gaffney on July 24, 2008SCDCA Returns to Spartanburg on July 23, 2008
South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs Recognized Nationally for Outstanding ServiceLadies Choice Fitness Center - Closing Summerville Location
SCDCA Returns to Laurens on July 17, 2008SCDCA Returns to Florence on July 9, 2008
SCDCA Returns to Summerville on July 10, 2008Department of Consumer Affairs and Cherokee County Library Sponsor ID Theft Workshop
SCDCA Returns to Greenwood on June 26, 2008SCDCA Returns to Spartanburg on June 24, 2008
SCDCA Returns to Laurens on June 19, 2008Consumer Affairs Partners with Attorney General's Office to Offer Mortgage Fraud Hotline to Consumers
SCDCA Returns to Summerville on June 12, 2008SCDCA Returns to Florence on June 11, 2008
“Homebuying 101”- A Free Conference for ConsumersConsumer Affairs to Open Pacolet Satellite in June
Consumer Affairs Visits Spartanburg Community on May 29, 2008SCDCA Returns to Gaffney on May 22, 2008 
SCDCA Returns to Greenwood on May 22, 2008Consumer Advocate and NCII Reach Settlement on Proposed Rate Increases Potentially Saving Consumers $130 Million
SCDCA Returns to Florence on May 14, 2008SCDCA Returns to Laurens on May 15, 2008
Consumer Affairs to Provide Summerville Community Tips on Credit RepairDepartment 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.1090Identity Theft Bill Provides More Protection for Consumers
Department of Consumer Affairs Cautions About Getting an Honest AppraisalConsumer Affairs to Provide Gaffney Community Tips on Credit Repair
Consumer Affairs to Provide Spartanburg Community Tips on Credit RepairSCDCA Returns to Greenwood on April 17, 2008
SCDCA Returns to Laurens on April 17, 2008SCDCA Returns to Summerville on April 10, 2008
Consumer Affairs to Open Florence Satellite in AprilSCDCA Returns to Gaffney on March 28, 2008
Department of Consumer Affairs Issues Warning on Tornado Damage and Home RepairsConsumer Affairs to Visit Florence
SCDCA Returns to Summerville on March 13, 2008Trinity Collegiate School Wins State LifeSmarts Competition
State Consumer Agency Presents Consumer Spirit AwardsSCDCA Returns to Greenwood on February 28, 2008
SCDCA Returns to Gaffney on February 28, 2008Consumer Agency Warns Against Being Overcharged for Deed Copies
SCDCA Returns to Laurens on February 21, 2008SCDCA Returns to Summerville on February 14, 2008
Department of Consumer Affairs Issues Critical Warning Regarding Tax Rebate ScamSCDCA Returns to Newberry on January 31, 2008
SCDCA Returns to Gaffney on January 24, 2008Consumer Affairs Visits Spartanburg Community January 22, 2008
SCDCA Returns to Greenwood on January 17, 2008SCDCA Returns to Laurens on January 17, 2008
Consumer Affairs to Sponsor SHRED DAY at Two Midlands LocationsSCDCA Returns to Summerville on January 10, 2008

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