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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 in SC) 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

 

Scam Education

Crooks use clever schemes to defraud millions of people every year. They often combine sophisticated technology with age-old tricks to get people to send money or give out personal information. They add new twists to old schemes and pressure people to make important decisions on the spot. One thing that never changes: they follow Headlines—and the money. 

Click Here to Download Ditch the Pitch

"Ditch the Pitch: A Guide for Guarding Against Scams" is meant to help you get ahead of the fraudsters. Education has always been a large part of the SCDCA's mission. We get that navigating the ever-changing marketplace can be overwhelming. With the rapid development of technology, scammers are more active (and more successful) than ever. This is why SCDCA created this guide; the best part is all education SCDCA provides is completely free!

Common Scams

Charity Scams
  • Charity Scams - Don't let scammers profit off your generosity.
Dating/Romance Scams
  • Don't Get Hooked By Dating Scams (PDF) - Exercise caution when communicating with strangers on the internet. Consumers can be taken advantage of by faraway lovers that claim to be "strapped for cash."
  • Romance Scams (Webinar) - Don't let a sweetheart swindler be the reason your money or identity is stolen. Even those who aren't looking for love should know what to watch out for so they can help family/friends who may be victims.
Free Prize, Lottery & Sweepstakes Scams
  • Free Prize, Lottery & Sweepstakes Scams (PDF) - You get a call, an email, a direct message on social media or a letter in the mail that says you’ve just won $5,000! Or maybe even $5 million, a fabulous diamond ring, or luxury vacation. Sounds too good to be true? More likely, it’s a lottery and sweepstakes scam. This flyer focuses on the red flags of this type of scam.
Job Scams
Online Shopping
  • Online Shopping (PDF) - Just because a website looks good doesn't mean it's real. Stay safe while shopping online with these tips. 
Phishing
  • Phishing Scams (PDF) - Don't take the bait! Learn how to recognize and avoid bogus emails designed to get you to give up personal information.
Phone Scams
Property/Real Estate Scams
Repair Scams
Scholarship & Financial Aid Scams
Tax Scams/Fraud
Utility Scams
  • Utility Scams - Learn how it may happen and the red flags to avoiding these scams.