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SCDCA processes and mediates written consumer complaints, seeking to find fair solutions for the consumer and the business. We encourage consumers to contact the business first to try and resolve a complaint. If you would like to file a complaint with SCDCA, please read the following information so we can better assist you.
- File a General Complaint
SCDCA takes consumer complaints against businesses we regulate, refers** complaints that fall within another agency's jurisdiction, and handles complaints against businesses that are unregulated. Your complaints help us find out about illegal business practices, enforce consumer protection laws and identify trends in the marketplace.
THERE ARE TWO WAYS TO FILE YOUR COMPLAINT:
(1) through DCA's Online Complaint Portal
Filing online allows our office to receive and process your complaint faster. In addition to having 24/7 access to your complaint, you can also correspond directly with your assigned analyst via our system.
ATTENTION: The Online Complaint System will TIME OUT AFTER 30 MINUTES. - Consider typing your complaint in a word processing program such as Microsoft Word or Notepad. Then copy and paste the text into the online complaint form; OR
- Save and attach your written complaint to the online complaint form.
(Be sure to write "see attached" in the comment boxes, as the system will not let you move forward if the boxes are empty.)
(2) by submitting a paper complaint form. Click the button below to download, print and submit to DCA.
Submit your completed form to:
PO Box 5757
Columbia, SC 29250
- File an HOA Complaint
SCDCA takes consumer complaints against HOAs. The Department of Consumer Affairs does not administer or enforce the South Carolina Homeowner's Association Act. State law (S.C. Code Ann. § 27-30-340) requires us to collect certain data from consumers filing complaints against homeowners associations (HOA). SCDCA compiles and shares it with the Governor and the General Assembly each year.
THERE ARE TWO WAYS TO FILE YOUR COMPLAINT:
(1) through DCA's Online Complaint Portal
Filing online allows our office to receive and process your complaint faster. In addition to having 24/7 access to your complaint, you can also correspond directly with your assigned analyst via our system.
ATTENTION: The Online Complaint System will TIME OUT AFTER 30 MINUTES. - Consider typing your complaint in a word processing program such as Microsoft Word or Notepad. Then copy and paste the text into the online complaint form; OR
- Save and attach your written complaint to the online complaint form.
(Be sure to write "see attached" in the comment boxes, as the system will not let you move forward if the boxes are empty.)
(2) by submitting a paper complaint form. Click the button below to download, print and submit to DCA.
HOA Supplemental Questionnaire (REQUIRED DOCUMENT)
The Supplemental Questionnaire must be submitted with your complaint.
If you have filed your complaint online, please fill out the Supplemental Questionnaire here.
If you are submitting a paper form, please download the Supplemental Questionnaire from the button below and attach to your written complaint.
Submit your completed complaint and supplemental questionnaire forms to:
PO Box 5757
Columbia, SC 29250More questions about HOAs?
- Search Complaints
Use our "Search Complaints" tool to check the number of complaints filed against a business plus the nature and closing status of the complaints. The database contains consumer complaints received since January 1, 2014 and is for information purposes only.Users should judge a business's complaint history primarily on the disposition of the complaints and not on the number of complaints or on the fact that a complaint was filed. Several factors, including a company's size and volume of transactions, may affect the likelihood of a consumer complaint being filed. The number of complaints about a business may not be a reliable measure as to whether it is appropriately conducting business.
- Top Referrals Agencies
SCDCA wants to make sure your complaint is handled as quickly as possible. Check out some of the other state agencies we often refer consumers to below. If the industry or issue at the center of your complaint is listed, try contacting the other agency first. Filing directly with the agency may get you an answer faster. If the agency says they cannot handle your complaint, feel free to file with SCDCA and let us know who you contacted.
South Carolina Agency Name Industries Licensed Board of Financial Institutions Consumer Finance Division - Mortgage Lenders and Servicers - Payday Lenders - Check Cashers Dept. of Labor, Licensing and Regulation - Contractors - Funeral Homes - Real Estate Brokers -and more! Dept. of Insurance - Insurance Companies - Storage Facilities -Bondsmen -and more! Dept. of Public Health - Health Care Facilities (includes hospitals, hospice, nursing homes and tattoo facilities) Dept. of Agriculture - Retail food establishments Secretary of State - Business Filings (LLCs, Corporations) - Charities - Notaries Human Affairs Commission - Discrimination (including in housing and employment)
- Videos About the Complaint Process
The South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs has several videos on YouTube that outline the complaint process, the voluntary mediation process and answers to frequently asked questions.