COLUMBIA, S.C. –National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) is a time to focus on your rights and avoiding the latest scams and identity theft schemes. NCPW is officially March 2-8, but the South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs (SCDCA) is once again expanding our plans to include a month of free shred events and educational webinars. Let us help you guard against fraud, identity theft and scams!

Free Shred Events

SCDCA will partner with Shred360 to offer the following free events from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.:

• Monday, March 3: Shandon Baptist Church, 5250 Forest Dr, Columbia, SC 29206
• Thursday, March 6: Herring Center at Furman University, Greenville, SC 29617
• Tuesday, March 11: First Presbyterian Church, 3810 Robert M. Grissom Pkwy, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
• Thursday, March 27: North Charleston Coliseum, Parking Lot A, 5001 Coliseum Dr, North Charleston, SC 29418

To shred your sensitive documents in a timely manner, the shred event is set up as a drive-through. Attendees are encouraged to stay in their vehicles and are limited to (3) three boxes (copy paper box or smaller) or (3) three bags (kitchen trash bag or smaller) per vehicle. There is no need to remove binder clips, paper clips, staples, rubber bands or CDs/DVDs prior to shredding.

Free Webinars

Grab a device and log in to a series of free webinars designed to help consumers learn more about their rights and stay safe from identity theft and scams. To register for a specific webinar, click the title links below:

• Wednesday, March 5 at 10:30 a.m. – HOAs and The Law
• Thursday, March 6 at 2 p.m. – State and Federal Privacy Laws for Businesses
• Wednesday, March 12 at 10:30 a.m. – My Information has been Breached, What Now?
• Thursday, March 13 at 2 p.m. – FTC Safeguards Rule Updates for Businesses
• Wednesday, March 19 at 10:30 a.m. – Identity Theft and Scams: How to Stay Safe
• Wednesday, March 26 at 10:30 a.m. – Artificial Intelligence Scams

Follow SCDCA on Facebook and X to receive tips throughout NCPW and learn ways to avoid scams and keep your personal identifying information safe.

About SCDCA

Established in 1974, DCA has fifty years of experience in protecting South Carolina consumers while recognizing those businesses that act honestly and fairly. Cultivating a marketplace comprised of well-informed consumers and businesses prevents deceptive and unfair business practices, allows legitimate business activity to flourish, resulting in the promotion of competition and a healthier economy.

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