Ditch the Pitch
Checkout DCA's guide for guarding against scams
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Shop, Compare & Protect Yourself
Shopping around, comparing terms and dealing with a licensed company may save you money and a headache or two. Whether you need a loan, are looking to buy a car or other product or service, knowing the terms and researching the company are the most important steps to get the best deal for you.
Are they Licensed?
State, federal and local laws require licenses or permits to work in certain fields. DCA oversees fifteen different business types, including credit counselors, gyms, mortgage brokers, pawnbrokers and preneed funeral contract providers. For a full listing of industries under DCA's purview and to search for a licensee, use our "Licensee Lookup" tool.
Can't find the industry you're looking for on DCA's list? Checkout some of the other state agencies we often refer consumers to below. Remember, cities and counties may also require a business license. So, check locally, too.
| South Carolina Agency Name | Industries Licensed |
|---|---|
| Board of Financial Institutions Consumer Finance Division | - Lenders (charging over 12% APR) - Mortgage Lenders and Servicers - Payday Lenders - Check Cashers. |
| Dept. of Labor, Licensing and Regulation | - Contractors - Funeral Homes - Real Estate Brokers -and more! |
| Dept. of Insurance | - Insurance Companies - Storage Facilities -Bondsmen -and more! |
| Dept. of Public Health |
- Health Care Facilities (includes hospitals, hospice, nursing home sand tattoo facilities), Tanning Facilities (other than financial or billing-related) - and more! |
| Dept. of Agriculture | - Retail Food Establishments |
| Office of Regulatory Staff | - Solar Leasing |
| Secretary of State | - Business Filings (LLCs, Corporations) - Charities - Notaries |
Search Complaints
DCA receives thousands of complaints each year. Search our complaints to see how many were filed against a business and how the complaints were handled. If the business is regulated by another state or federal agency, check with that agency for complaints.
Check online. Visit the Better Business Bureau. A simple internet search can reveal a "scam" or if a business or product is complained about regularly, too.
Ask for References
Ask friends, family, neighbors or co-workers for references, especially if you are making a big purchase or are in need of repair work for your home or vehicle. Request references from the business, too. Ask the consumer to detail their experience with the business.
Compare Rates/Charges and Fees
Shop around and compare prices and terms to make sure you get the best fit for your needs and your pocketbook. Going to get a loan or finance a deal? If the business is charging over 18%, checkout our APR listing where you can compare maximum interest rates by company name and type:
- Banks, Credit Unions, and Savings & Loans (XLS)
- Supervised Lenders (XLS)
- Motor Vehicle Dealer Interest Rates (XLS)
- Other Businesses (XLS)
Looking for a car? Compare dealer closing fees: