Debt collector laws in South Carolina
The South Carolina Consumer Protection Code: unconscionable debt collection (part of the Consumer Protection Code, Title 37): what it adds to federal law, who must be licensed, where to complain and the medical debt rules in South Carolina.
Short answer
South Carolina has its own debt collection law: the South Carolina Consumer Protection Code: unconscionable debt collection (part of the Consumer Protection Code, Title 37). It also covers original creditors collecting their own debts. You can complain to South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs (SCDCA). The CFPB also takes complaints.
- State law
- Yes
- Covers original creditors
- Yes
- License required
- Not confirmed
- Extra protections listed
- 5
The South Carolina debt collection law
- State law
- South Carolina Consumer Protection Code: unconscionable debt collection (part of the Consumer Protection Code, Title 37)
- Law
- S.C. Code Ann. § 37-5-108
- Covers original creditors
- Yes
- Official text
- Read the law
South Carolina's law reaches original creditors as well, as in 22 of the 48 states we cover.
What South Carolina adds to the FDCPA
- The rules apply to "a creditor or debt collector", so businesses collecting their own debts are covered too (S.C. Code Ann. § 37-5-108(5)(b)).
- Collectors may not contact you at unusual or inconvenient times or places. Unless they know otherwise, the convenient hours are 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. (§ 37-5-108(5)(b)(i)).
- If you or your employer asks in writing, collectors must stop contacting you at work, except to verify your job (§ 37-5-108(5)(b)(iii)).
- Collectors may not discuss your debt with other people without your or a court's permission, and may not contact you by postcard (§ 37-5-108(5)(b)(iv), (ix)).
- Your wages can't be garnished for a consumer credit sale, consumer loan, consumer lease or rent-to-own debt (§ 37-5-104).
Can you sue a collector under South Carolina law?
Yes. If a court finds unconscionable collection conduct, you can recover your actual damages plus a penalty of $100 to $1,000 (not in a class action). The court can also order the conduct to stop (S.C. Code Ann. § 37-5-108(2)).
Under federal law you can also sue a collector that breaks the FDCPA within 1 year, for your actual damages, up to $1,000 more and your attorney's fees (15 U.S.C. 1692k).
Reporting a collector in South Carolina
- South Carolina: South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs (SCDCA) · 1-800-922-1594 (toll-free in SC) or 803-734-4200
- Federal: the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau takes complaints about debt collectors at consumerfinance.gov/complaint · (855) 411-2372.
- You can also report a collector to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Licenses for collection agencies in South Carolina
- License required
- Not confirmed
In nearby states
- North Carolina: Yes
- Georgia: No statewide license
- West Virginia: Yes
When a collector crosses the line in South Carolina
Keep a record
Keep letters, voicemails, emails and texts, and a log of every call.
Check the collector
Get the collector's full name, address and any license number.
Send a letter
Send a letter to dispute a debt or to stop collector calls. Keep a copy and proof of mailing.
File a complaint
Complain to South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs (SCDCA). You can also complain to the CFPB at consumerfinance.gov/complaint.
Know your right to sue in South Carolina
Under South Carolina law: Yes. If a court finds unconscionable collection conduct, you can recover your actual damages plus a penalty of $100 to $1,000 (not in a class action).
Questions about collector laws in South Carolina
Is there a South Carolina debt collection act?
Yes: the South Carolina Consumer Protection Code: unconscionable debt collection (part of the Consumer Protection Code, Title 37) (S.C. Code Ann. § 37-5-108). It also covers original creditors collecting their own debts.
Where can I complain about a debt collector in South Carolina?
South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs (SCDCA): https://consumer.sc.gov/consumer-resources/consumer-complaints · 1-800-922-1594 (toll-free in SC) or 803-734-4200
Can I sue a debt collector under South Carolina law?
Yes. If a court finds unconscionable collection conduct, you can recover your actual damages plus a penalty of $100 to $1,000 (not in a class action). The court can also order the conduct to stop (S.C. Code Ann. § 37-5-108(2)).
How does South Carolina law go beyond the FDCPA?
The rules apply to "a creditor or debt collector", so businesses collecting their own debts are covered too (S.C. Code Ann. § 37-5-108(5)(b)). Collectors may not contact you at unusual or inconvenient times or places. Unless they know otherwise, the convenient hours are 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. (§ 37-5-108(5)(b)(i)). If you or your employer asks in writing, collectors must stop contacting you at work, except to verify your job (§ 37-5-108(5)(b)(iii)).
Keep reading about South Carolina
- The full South Carolina guide
- Statute of limitations in South Carolina: 3 years
- Wage garnishment in South Carolina: not for most consumer debts
- Sued by a debt collector in South Carolina: 30 days
- “Is my debt too old?” checker for South Carolina
- Dispute a debt and ask for proof (validation letter)
- Tell a collector to stop or limit contact
- Debt collector licensing by state
- Guide: how to dispute a debt
- Guide: how to stop collector calls
Debt collector laws in nearby states
- S.C. Code Ann. § 37-5-108
- S.C. Code Title 15, Chapter 3 (limitations)
- S.C. Code Title 15, Chapter 41 (exemptions)
- SCDCA: A Guide for Dealing with Debt Collection (PDF)
- SC Judicial Branch: Magistrates Court FAQ (PDF)
- U.S. Bankruptcy Court D.S.C.: South Carolina Exemption Amount Adjustments (June 28, 2024)
- SCRCP Rule 12 (S.C. Judicial Branch)
- S.C. Code Title 22, Chapter 3 (magistrates' jurisdiction)
Last checked: Oct 24, 2026.