Education is a core component of SCDCA's mission. We have been giving free presentations to South Carolina consumers and businesses for decades. We give in-person presentations and webinars. Our webinars are not just for the tech-savvy! All you need is a phone and you can join. 

All of our presentations are always free. To request a presentation, please fill out this presentation request form.

We are giving free webinars every Wednesday. To find upcoming presentations near you or register for our webinar, click here.

Presentation Topics We Offer

We strive to ensure consumers and businesses alike are aware of their rights and responsibilities in the marketplace. Our staff is available to present to your constituents, employees, community group, association or club about consumer topics, including identity theft and scams, credit reports and scores and debt collection. Trade, professional, or industry associations and groups, as well as businesses, may also request a presentation on laws within the Department's purview.

Identity Theft / Scams:

Identity Theft and Scam Prevention

New scams are popping up every day and identity theft is costly and time consuming. Learn the red flags of a scam and the FREE ways to protect your info. With these tools, you won’t end up giving over your hard-earned money or your private information.

Ditch the Pitch BINGO

Scammers make it their full-time job to develop new tactics every day to try and trick you into giving over your private information and money. Our version of BINGO will help you learn the common tactics scammers use and how you can protect yourself and your loved ones.

Child ID Theft

Detecting and undoing the damage from the theft of a child's identity can be a challenge. A thief who steals a child's information may use it for years before the crime is discovered. Learn about the warning signs of child identity theft and ways to protect your child's information.

Protecting Older Adults from Scams

This presentation will discuss scams that affect older adults the most and the red flags to watch out for.

How to Get Less Unwanted Calls and Texts

Unwanted calls and text messages are annoying. Unfortunately, nothing is going to completely stop them but there are free resources that will help you get you FEWER of those unwanted messages and calls.

Job Scams

Scammers often target job seekers with promises of work-from-home opportunities. They may also pose as "recruiters" and message people with a resume on a job seeking site about an unbelievable offer. Learn about the red flags and different types of job scams.

Romance Scams

Romance scams are one of the most expensive types of scams. Even those who aren’t looking for love should know what to watch out for so they can help family and friends from becoming a victim.

Security Breaches

News reports of security breaches have many people concerned about protecting their personal identifying information. What steps should you take if you receive a security breach notification? Discover the free tools you should be using to keep your information safe.

Cybersecurity:

Cybersecurity Basics

Cybersecurity can be intimidating. Have no fear! There are some simple steps you can take so you can be in control of your information and keep your your digital devices safe.

How to Make Strong Passwords

Having strong, unique passwords for all of your accounts is one of the most important pieces of cybersecurity you can put in place. Learn how you can make and keep strong passwords and the additional steps to take to ensure all your passwords are secure.

Social Media Smarts

What we post on social media can have a lasting impact. Your digital footprint can open you up to scams, identity theft and other real-world consequences. We'll cover tips to help you stay safe and protect your personal information.

Artificial Intelligence Scams

Artificial intelligence can turn complicated tasks into an easy job. Deepfake videos and voice cloning are just two ways that scammers take advantage of technology to make their schemes more believable. How do you spot a fake? Learn what to look for.

Cryptocurrency Scams

Cryptocurrency is a common payment method that scammers demand. Their schemes can range from fake investments, business impersonations to blackmail. This presentation will help you know the red flags of these scams.

Online Shopping Scams

We'll cover everything you need to know before clicking "check out." Tips will include safe online shopping habits, red flags of shopping scams and general tips to keep your information and money safe.

Financial Literacy:

Credit Reports - What They Are and Why They Matter

Are you checking your credit reports? In this presentation we will discuss the basics of credit reports including how they are used, improving your credit score and some of the common credit myths.

Credit Report and Credit Scores Demystified

Checking your credit reports can help you spot the signs of identity theft. What should you be looking for? Learn the basics of credit reports and scores including how they are used, improving your credit score and some of the common credit myths.

How to Start Building Credit

Building credit can be tricky. If you don’t have a credit history, it can be hard to get a loan, a credit card or approved for an apartment. So how are you supposed to get started? Discover a few ways you can start building credit now even when you have little-to-no history.

Making Sense of Money - The 5 Money Basics: Earn, Spend, Save & Invest, Borrow and Protect.

Managing your finances and creating a budget does not have to be complicated or intimidating. Find out about the strategies you can use to build a budget and how you can safely manage your credit.

Tax Time Tips

Tax season is nearly here, and scammers are plotting ways to steal your refund. Learn how to protect your personal information and the red flags to watch out for so you don't become the victim of tax fraud.

General SCDCA Education:

How SCDCA Can Help You

The SCDCA has nearly 50 years of experience serving people and businesses in South Carolina. How can we help you? Learn about the free resources we offer.

Filing a Complaint with SCDCA

Most people know that SCDCA takes complaints against businesses that operate in South Carolina, but what does that actually look like and how is it done? This presentation will go over SCDCA's complaint process, an explanation of the voluntary mediation process, how to file a complaint and the types of complaints we most commonly receive.

Consumer Protection and Law

This presentation focuses on the different state and federal laws that are in place to help protect consumers. Learn about your rights and how the law may apply when you join us for "Consumer Protection and Law".

Debt Collection

Debt collectors are required to treat you fairly and follow certain rules/laws when they contact you. Learn about your rights under the law and get answers to frequently asked questions.

Landlord/Tenant Act

The South Carolina Residential Landlord Tenant Act outlines the responsibilities of a landlord and the tenant. Topics discussed in this presentation include leases, landlord repairs, nonpayment of rent and security deposit rules.