National Consumer Protection Week 2020

Senior Consumer Tips
Stopping Illegal Robocalls

Bankruptcy FAQs
The Courtroom Experience in Bankruptcy Court

Webinar
Auto Fraud – Warranties and Repossessions

Self-Help Special
The S.C. Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV)

SCDMV receives complaints about illegal or fraudulent acts by a dealership

If you have a possible claim of an illegal or fraudulent act committed by a dealership Complete Form DE-002C and email to dealerdocuments@scdmv.net or fax to (803) 896-8172

You can also file complaints with the SCDMV about: discrimination, fraud, misconduct, unlicensed or suspected illegal activity involving a product, service, employee, or company that the SCDMV oversees or regulates such as a certified driver training school or third party tester. In response to such complaints, the SCDMV may encourage compliance with state and federal laws, pursue administrative actions, and/or refer the complaints to the appropriate agencies for follow-up or enforcement actions.

If you have a complaint or need to report fraud, you should complete the: Customer Complaint Form (SCDMV Form AD-800C and email it to the SCDMV.

For more information on reporting fraud: http://www.scdmvonline.com/Fraud-Hotline

Senior Consumer Tips
Pros and Cons of a Living Trust

Bankruptcy FAQs
Special Circumstances in Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

Webinar
Dealing with Utility Companies: Billing Disputes and Service Shut-offs

Self-Help Special
The S.C. Office of Regulatory Staff (ORS)

The ORS represents the public interest of South Carolina in utility regulation for the major utility indus-tries -- electric, natural gas, telecommunications, transportation, and water/wastewater -- before the Public Service Commission of South Carolina, the court system, the South Carolina General Assembly, and federal regulatory bodies. The ORS also has responsibility for oversight of railroad safety and natu-ral gas pipeline safety in South Carolina.

For SC consumers the ORS serves the concerns of the using and consuming public with respect to public utility services, regardless of the class of customer.

To Get Help Resolving A Dispute About:

  • Electric
  • Natural gas
  • Water
  • Wastewater
  • Local and intrastate (within South Carolina) long distance telephone service
  • Intrastate (within SC) household goods movers (moving companies)
  • Intrastate (within SC) passenger carriers

File a complaint here: https://appengine.egov.com/apps/sc/ORS/ccif

Senior Consumer Tip
The Truth About Credit Reports and Credit Repair Companies

Bankruptcy FAQs
Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

Webinar
Fair Credit Reporting Act

Self-Help Special
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) is a U.S. government agency that makes sure banks, lenders, and other financial companies treat you fairly. CFPB regulates the offering and provision of consumer financial products or services under the federal consumer financial laws. It educates and empowers consumers to make better informed financial decisions.

File A Complaint With The CFPB

The CFPB helps consumers connect with financial companies to under-stand issues, fix errors, and get direct responses about problems. When you submit a complaint we work to get you a response—most companies respond to complaints within 15 days

File a complaint here: https://www.consumerfinance.gov/complaint/
Or call (855) 411-2372

Senior Consumer Tip
Working With A Contractor on Repairs or Installation

Bankruptcy FAQs
Chapter 7 Bankruptcy

Webinar
Fair Debt Collection Practices Act

Self-Help Special
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC)

The FTC is a bi-partisan federal agency with a unique dual mission: to protect consumers and to promote competition. The FTC accepts complaints related to many topics, including:

  • Identity theft
  • National Do Not Call Registry violations
  • Computers, the internet and online privacy
  • Telemarketing scams
  • Credit scams
  • Immigration services
  • Sweepstakes, lotteries, and prizes
  • Business opportunities and work-at-home schemes
  • Health and weight loss products
  • Debt collection, credit reports, and financial matters

Watch this video to learn how to file a complaint:
https://consumer.ftc.gov/media/video-0054-how-file-complaint-federal-trade-commission

File a complaint here: https://www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov/?utm_source=takeaction#crnt

Senior Consumer Tip
Advice About Credit Cards

Bankruptcy FAQs
What is Bankruptcy?

Self-Help Special
S.C. Department of Consumer Affairs Online Complaint System

The mission of SCDCA is to protect consumers while giving due regard to those businesses acting in a fair and honest manner. One of the ways it accomplishes this is mission by providing complaint mediation ser-vices. SCDCA processes and mediates written consumer complaints, seeking to find fair solutions for the consumer and the business. These complaints help SCDCA find out about illegal business practices, enforce consumer protection laws and identify trends in the marketplace.

You should try to contact the business first to resolve your complaint. If that doesn’t work,

THERE ARE THREE WAYS TO FILE YOUR COMPLAINT:

  1. Through the Online Complaint Portal
    https://applications.sc.gov/DCAComplaintSystem/Login/Index.aspx
  2. Through the mail by filing the form provided here
  3. By calling SCDCA in Columbia, S.C. at 803-734-4200 or toll free 800-922-1594.