Ditch the Pitch
The Department is currently working at a limited capacity onsite. You can file a complaint and submit applications for licensing online. Filings you do not wish to make, or that are not available, online should 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.
For COVID-19 resources for businesses and consumers, visit the COVID-19 Resources page.
COLUMBIA, S.C. – Online shopping has become a way of life and consumers can find some great bargains on the internet. Sure, shopping online can be convenient and less expensive, but the South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs (SCDCA) wants consumers to be careful before they hand over their financial information to a scammy seller.
The Federal Trade Commission has recorded over 26 thousand online shopping fraud reports resulting in $16.26 million lost since January 1, 2020. SCDCA is receiving calls about online shopping scams involving Facebook Marketplace ads ranging from baby gear to used cars. Some consumers have complained about ordering from a legitimate looking website, only to go back to find the site deleted, and the items never arrive. Here are a few tips to keep in mind to avoid scams as you shop online:
Consumers who are a victim of an online shopping scam should:
Businesses who are victims of an online imposter should:
SCDCA is offering a free Online Shopping Scams webinar on Wednesday, September 2 from 10:30-11 a.m. If you would like to register, click here. If you’d like to see upcoming “Wednesday Webinar” topics, take a look at SCDCA’s Google Calendar.
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.