COLUMBIA, S.C. - In celebration of National Consumer Protection Week 2020 (NCPW), the South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs (SCDCA) is releasing a new publication “Credit Reports: What they are and Why They Matter.”The guide breaks down the complicated topic of credit reports in to digestible portions on subjects like:

• What information is on the report and how it's used
• What makes up a credit score and how to improve it
• Common credit myths
• Credit counseling tips and how to avoid credit repair scams
• And so many more tips and tricks to keep your information safe.

Free copies of this and all SCDCA publications are available through our online order form. SCDCA will also offer a free 30-minute webinar “Credit Reports: What They Are and Why They Matter”on Thursday, March 5 at 2 p.m. Come learn the basics of credit reports including how the report is used, what's on it and credit myths. Register here to watch/listen from any computer.

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter to receive tips throughout NCPW so you can learn the ways to keep your personal identifying information safe. Consumers who believe they are the victim of a security breach, scam or identity theft are encouraged to seek guidance from SCDCA's Identity Theft Unit. Call (844) TELL DCA (835-5322) or fill out an ID Theft Intake form by visiting our website and clicking on the How Do I… button, then Report Identity Theft.

About SCDCA

The South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs aims to protect consumers from inequities in the marketplace through advocacy, complaint mediation, enforcement and education. To file a complaint or get information on consumer issues, visit www.consumer.sc.gov or call toll-free, 1 (800) 922-1594.