South Carolina Consumer Resources
Below is a list of South Carolina consumer resources, including state agencies and educational, financial, health and employment departments.
State agencies
Attorney General's Office: The Attorney General’s Office is dedicated to protecting consumers and residents in South Carolina. The website has links to file complaints, current news and answers to frequently asked questions. You can report an issue by phone at 803-734-4200.
Department of Insurance: This department regulates insurance companies to make sure they operate within South Carolina law and offer fair, affordable coverage. Its website has information on different agency services and various types of insurance. You can call 803-737-6160 to reach the department directly.
Public Service Commission: This commission works to ensure that public utility companies provide consumers with affordable and safe services while operating within South Carolina law.
You can complete a letter of protest on the website and then either email, fax or mail it to the commission. You can also file complaints, find dockets and get answers to FAQs. The commission can be reached at 803-896-5100.
Education
Department of Education: The South Carolina Department of Education oversees the state’s public K-12 schools and supports teachers, students and districts. The website provides information on curriculum standards, testing, accountability reports and educator certification. You can also find resources for parents and students, including school directories and academic calendars. Call 803-734-8500 for assistance.
Finance
Board of Financial Institutions: The board ensures that state banking and consumer financing laws are followed. You can read about consumer finance laws and regulations and see a directory of current board members.
Health care
Department of Health and Human Services: You can get information about health care in South Carolina, including details about different types of health coverage and plan options. The site allows you to apply for Medicaid and search for providers. You can reach the office at 888-549-0820.
Safety
Identity Theft Unit: The South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs helps residents prevent and recover from identity theft. The website provides step-by-step instructions for reporting identity theft, freezing credit and restoring compromised accounts. You can also find prevention tips and downloadable forms. You can reach the department’s Identity Theft Unit at 803-734-4200.
Employment
Department of Employment and Workforce: This website helps job seekers find employment opportunities and provides information on unemployment benefits and taxes for residents who are out of work. Employers can access resources for managing unemployment insurance, filing wage reports and posting job openings. You can contact this department at 866-831-1724.
Contact South Carolina state and local consumer agencies
State and local consumer protection offices handle complaints, investigate fraud and enforce consumer laws. These agencies also license certain professionals, provide educational materials and promote fair business practices.
Before sending a written report, call the Department of Consumer Affairs to confirm it handles your type of issue and to ask if any forms are required.
State Offices
Alan Wilson
Attorney general
Email: info@scag.gov
Website: scag.gov
Carolyn Grube Lybarker
Administrator/consumer advocate
Department of Consumer Affairs
Website: consumer.sc.gov/about-us-administrator
Amy Hornsby
Director
Office of Ombudsman
Website: admin.sc.gov/ombudsman
State Banking Regulators
The officials listed below regulate and supervise state-chartered banks. Many of them handle or refer problems about other types of financial institutions as well. Some also answer general questions about banking and consumer credit.
Kathy L. Bickham
Commissioner of Banking
Phone: 803-734-2001
Fax: 803-734-2013
Website: banking.sc.gov
State insurance regulators
Each state has its own laws and regulations for all types of insurance, including car, homeowner and health insurance. The officials listed below enforce these laws. The Department of Insurance can provide you with information to help you make informed insurance buying decisions.
Michael Wise
Director, Department of Insurance
Phone: 803-737-6160
Email: info@doi.sc.gov
Website: doi.sc.gov