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. 

Protecting Your Finances During COVID-19: Free Credit Reports Every Week for a Year!

Wed, 04/29/2020

COLUMBIA, S.C. - Consumers can now request one free credit report a week from Experian, TransUnion and Equifax until April 2021 because of the Coronavirus pandemic. The South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs (SCDCA) encourages consumers to take advantage of this new offer at AnnualCreditReport.com. Here are a few reasons to check your credit report often:

•    If you're working with lenders for assistance or forbearance. If you've requested help from any of your lenders, including a mortgage forbearance, you'll want to check your credit reports to make sure they accurately reflect the agreements. For more information on mortgage/rent relief and foreclosure suspensions in South Carolina, click here.

•    Make sure all the information is correct. It's important to review your credit reports with a fine-tooth comb to spot errors, big or small, that can impact your score. This way you know what's on your report and have time to fix any mistakes before you apply for credit, buy insurance or apply for a job. 

•    Find and report and suspicious activity. Scammers are out in full force, taking advantage of the pandemic to steal consumers information and money. Keep an eye on your credit report to spot suspicious activity before it's too late! To learn about different coronavirus scams, read SCDCA's “How to Spot a Scammer.” 

For an entire credit report guide, check out SCDCA's new “Credit Reports: What They are and Why They Matter.” Consumers looking for tips on protecting their finances during COVID-19 can tune in to SCDCA's free webinars every Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. Find out the topics and register by visiting SCDCA's calendar. 

Consumers who believe they are the victim of a scam or identity theft are encouraged to seek guidance from SCDCA's Identity Theft Unit. Call (844) TELL DCA (835-5322) or fill out a Scam Report form by visiting our website and clicking on the How Do I… button, then Report a Scam.

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.