2008 CONSUMER SPIRIT AWARDS DEADLINE HAS BEEN EXTENDED

The South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs is now accepting nominations for the 2008 Consumer Spirit Awards. The deadline for nominations has been extended through January 8, 2007. The Consumer Spirits Awards are awarded annually to recognize individuals and organizations that empower South Carolinians through consumer protection and education initiatives. All individuals, organizations and businesses are encouraged to participate.

Winners will be honored at a ceremony in February.

 Awards will be given in the following categories:

1. Organization Leadership Award
2. Dublin/Robinson Consumer Champion Award
3. Governmental Excellence Award
4. Media Partnership Award

A panel of representatives from various communities, governmental agencies, media outlets and past winners will serve as judges.

Judging criteria is as follows:

• Strategy: The nominee must demonstrate knowledge of and solutions for consumer needs.
• Execution: The nominee must complete their strategy honestly and professionally.
• Originality: The nominee must implement creative, innovative methods to help consumers.
• Results: The nominee’s efforts must directly benefit South Carolina consumers.

Award information and application forms are available online at www.scconsumer.gov .

For additional information, contact the Public Information Division at (803) 734-4190, 1-800-922-1594 (toll-free in SC).

After Hours Workshop Covers The Latest Scams

Are you ready for the holiday season?

Do you know the latest scams and rip-offs?

Before you start shopping, learn what scammers are doing to ruin the holiday season before it begins.

The South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs will present a free workshop entitled:

“Scams: Learn about the Latest Scams and How to Protect Yourself.”

 The presentation will help consumers learn how to protect their identities and wallets, recognize phony deals and praise good “consumerism.”

 The workshop will be held on Tuesday, November 20, 2007 at 5:45 p.m. at South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs 3600 Forest Drive, 2nd Floor, Columbia, S. C. 29204.

Donna DeMichael, Director of Consumer Services and Education will discuss the bottom line about gift card scams, fake checks, phising, the Nigerian scams and other spin-offs and provide tips on how to avoid becoming the next victim.

Information will also be available on work-at-home scams and general consumer tips.

 “The holiday season is the perfect time for scammers to take advantage of unsuspecting consumers, which makes this workshop timely and relevant for everyone,” said Donna DeMichael.

After hours is a free, monthly workshop held on the third Tuesday of every month to inform consumers about the latest consumer news and topics after business hours.

 For more information, contact the Public Information Division at (803) 734-4190, 1-800-922-1594 (toll-free in SC) or online at www.scconsumer.gov & click on Live Chat.

SCDCA Offers "Late Nights" Extended Hours For More Convenience

“Late Nights” allows consumers with especially busy schedules a few extra hours to reach Consumer Affairs.

Office hours are extended from 5:30 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on the third Tuesday of every month. This month’s date will be November 20, 2007.

The program is designed to give consumers the convenience of after-work hours.

Consumers are welcome to call during the additional hours at (803) 734-4200 or 1-800-922-1594 (toll-free in SC).

For more information about “Late Nights” please contact the Public Information Division at (803) 734-4190.

South Carolina Consumer Affairs Reports A Banner Year For Consumer/Business Funds Recovery

The South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs (SCDCA) recovered nearly $2.5 million for South Carolina consumers and saved more than $90 million for businesses during Fiscal Year 2006-2007, according to end-of-year reports compiled by staff members.

The breakdown by division is as follows:

• Consumer Services:   $1,297,135.30
• Legal:                              $1,176,622,89
• Advocacy:                       Approximately $90,000,000

Consumer Affairs Administrator, Brandy Thomas Pinkston, credited the Department staff for its ingenuity and diligence in advocating for South Carolinians. “The State of South Carolina benefits from our efficient and dedicated employees who provide valuable services and programs for its citizens,” she said.  “I am particularly pleased that our staff recognizes that how we do things can be as important as what we do,” she explained. “At the Department of Consumer Affairs, there’s a belief that creative, responsible risk-taking in the pursuit of improved customer service is an action to be applauded and encouraged.”

SCDCA’s Legal Division refunds to consumers were in several general areas, including: Criminal Investigations-Bank/Wire/Odometer turn backs, Compliance Review and Inspection, Credit Counseling, Financial Responsibility- Physical Fitness/Pawnbrokers and Preneed Funeral Loss Reimbursement.

In addition to the recovery for consumers, the Department’s Advocacy Division saved businesses that buy workers compensation insurance roughly $90 million. This savings occurs on an annual basis as a result of SCDCA’s intervention in the request by the National Council on Compensation Insurance(NCCI) for increased loss costs as well as its filing for increases in rates for workers compensation insurance that is purchased from the assigned risk pool.

Fiscal Year 2006-2007 was one of SCDCA’s most successful for funds recovered/saved for consumers and businesses in areas the Department regulates, enforces or intervenes. It is surpassed only by 2004, in which the Department reached a $100 million settlement with Bellsouth on behalf of South Carolina telephone customers. SCDCA no longer intervenes in utility issues.

In the past Fiscal Year, SCDCA handled more than 7,000 complaints, 1,351 of which are still pending. The top complaint categories were vehicle issues, financial institution matters and debt collection.

For more information on the South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs, call the Public Information Division at (803) 734-4190, 1-800-922-1594 (toll-free in SC) or visit our website at www.scconsumer.gov and click on the Live Chat.

Did You Know That All Companies Offering Discount Programs For All Health Services Are Required To Be Registered?

South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs-Discount Medical Plans

In January 2007, the State of South Carolina required all companies offering discount programs for all health services to be registered.

What is a discount medical plan?

Disount Medical Plans, also called Health Savings Plans or Medical Savings Plans, are not insurance. Instead, a discount medical plan card operates much like a discount card for a grocery store. You are limited to a list of available providers and your discount is taken at the time of service.

Discount medical plans do not pay claims for health services. Instead, discount medical plans use a network of providers that offer a percentage off of their standard fees or charges. The consumer is responsible for paying for services at the time the service is received. Discounts can vary greatly and not all providers offer the same discount. In addition, discount medical plans do not cover all types of services or conditions.

WARING SIGNS: What should I avoid?

Discount medical plans can be very confusing. It is very important that you do your homework to avoid purchasing a fraudulent plan.

• Many discount plans are offered as an added benefit to a membership into an association, club or union. In addition to a monthly fee, they will tack on a yearly membership fee.
• Possible fraudulent discount medical plans are advertised through spam email, faxes, unsolicited phone calls, pop-up screens on the internet and signs on telephone poles. They may offer a number to call with little detailed information.
• Advertising can use insurance jargon, such as health plan, PPO network, copayments, premiums, in order to mislead you. The company can also pressure you by telling you “this is a one-time offer” or “this offer expires by midnight.”
• Don’t feel pressured by the sales people to buy it, if it sounds too good to be true. Don’t let them convince you to discontinue your current insurance.
• A list of health care providers should be made available to you. Check with your provider, such as your doctor or pharmacy, to make sure they have a contract with that plan to offer a discount.
• A list of benefits and details of the plan should be made available prior to your purchase. Legitimate plans will not require large up-front fees.
• All discount medical cards issued by licensed companies must read, “THIS IS NOT INSURANCE,” on all marketing materials including membership cards.

 Questions:

If you have any questions about a company, please call the Department of Consumer Affairs at (803) 734-4200, 1-800-922-1594 (toll-free in SC) or visit us online at www.scconsumer.gov & click on Live Chat.