How to Dispute a Bill in South Carolina
South Carolina consumers have specific rights when disputing incorrect or unfair bills from service providers, medical facilities, or creditors. State law provides protection through the South Carolina Consumer Protection Code, which works alongside federal protections like the Fair Credit Billing Act to establish timeframes and procedures for resolving billing disputes.
Timing is critical when disputing bills in South Carolina - most disputes must be filed within 60 days of receiving the bill to preserve your legal rights. Always dispute bills in writing and keep detailed records of all communications with the biller.
Key Considerations
Scenarios
Decisions
Scenarios
Decisions
Scenarios
Decisions
Relevant Laws
South Carolina Consumer Protection Code (S.C. Code Ann. § 37-5-202)
This law gives consumers the right to dispute billing errors. When a consumer disputes a bill in writing within 60 days of receiving it, the creditor must acknowledge the dispute within 30 days and resolve it within 90 days. During this investigation period, the creditor cannot report the disputed amount as delinquent to credit bureaus or attempt collection activities.
South Carolina Unfair Trade Practices Act (S.C. Code Ann. § 39-5-10)
This act prohibits unfair or deceptive practices in trade or commerce, including billing practices. Consumers who have been subjected to unfair billing practices can file a complaint with the South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs and may have grounds for legal action, including the potential recovery of actual damages and attorney's fees.
South Carolina Telephone Solicitation Act (S.C. Code Ann. § 16-17-445)
For telephone or utility bills, this law provides specific protections against unauthorized charges (cramming) and switching providers without consent (slamming). Consumers have the right to dispute these charges and request verification of any services billed.
South Carolina Medical Bills Statute (S.C. Code Ann. § 44-7-3455)
For medical bills specifically, this law requires healthcare providers to provide an itemized statement upon request. Patients have the right to dispute charges they believe are incorrect, and providers must respond to these disputes within a reasonable timeframe.
Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (15 U.S.C. § 1692)
While this is a federal law, it applies in South Carolina and provides important protections when disputing bills that have gone to collections. Consumers can dispute a debt within 30 days of receiving a collection notice, and the debt collector must verify the debt before continuing collection efforts.
South Carolina Statute of Limitations on Debt (S.C. Code Ann. § 15-3-530)
This law establishes a 3-year statute of limitations for most written contracts and open accounts (like credit cards) in South Carolina. For sealed instruments (like some loans), the limit is 20 years. After this period expires, creditors cannot successfully sue to collect the debt, which can be relevant when disputing old bills.
Regional Variances
Major Metropolitan Areas
Charleston has a Consumer Affairs Division within the city government that offers free mediation services for billing disputes. Residents can file complaints through the city's website or in person at City Hall, which may provide faster resolution than state-level remedies.
As the state capital, Columbia residents have direct access to the South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs headquarters. This proximity allows for in-person consultations and expedited processing of billing disputes. The city also has a specialized utility bill dispute process through Columbia Water that differs from other municipalities.
Greenville County has established a Consumer Protection Division within the Solicitor's Office that assists with billing disputes. Additionally, the Greenville Chamber of Commerce offers a Business Integrity Line where consumers can report unfair billing practices from local businesses, which is unique to this jurisdiction.
Coastal Regions
Myrtle Beach has special provisions for disputing tourist-related bills and hospitality charges. The city's Tourism Development Fee disputes follow a separate process through the City Finance Department rather than standard state channels.
Hilton Head has unique ordinances regarding timeshare and vacation rental billing disputes. The town provides a specialized mediator for these issues, which is not available in other parts of South Carolina. Additionally, utility billing disputes on the island go through the Public Service District rather than standard utility companies.
Rural Counties
As one of South Carolina's most rural counties, Allendale lacks local consumer protection offices. Residents must rely on state-level protections, but the county clerk's office provides document notarization services for billing disputes at no cost, unlike other counties that charge fees.
Marlboro County offers a unique community-based dispute resolution program through its library system. Trained volunteers help residents prepare documentation for billing disputes, providing assistance that isn't formally available in other rural counties.
Special Jurisdictions
Due to the presence of military installations, Beaufort County has special protections for active duty military personnel regarding billing disputes. The county's Veterans Affairs office provides specialized assistance for service members that supersedes standard state procedures.
Being on the North Carolina border, York County has established cross-state cooperative agreements for billing disputes with companies operating in both states. This allows residents to access consumer protection resources from both South Carolina and North Carolina, which is unique to border counties.
Suggested Compliance Checklist
Review and gather all billing documentation
1 days after startingCollect all relevant billing statements, invoices, and payment records. Look for discrepancies between what you believe you owe and what the company claims. Document specific errors such as duplicate charges, incorrect amounts, or charges for services not received. In South Carolina, having complete documentation is essential for successfully disputing a bill.
Review your service contract or agreement
2 days after startingCarefully read the terms of your original contract or service agreement to understand your rights and obligations. Look for clauses related to billing disputes, cancellation policies, and any mandatory arbitration requirements. South Carolina follows the 'four corners rule' which means courts primarily look at what's written in the contract itself when resolving disputes.
Compile your payment history records
3 days after startingCreate a comprehensive record of all payments made to the company, including dates, amounts, and payment methods. Include bank statements, canceled checks, or electronic payment confirmations. Under South Carolina law, maintaining accurate payment records is your responsibility as a consumer.
Contact the company directly
4 days after startingBefore escalating, contact the billing department directly to resolve the issue. South Carolina encourages consumers to attempt direct resolution first. Document the date, time, and name of representatives you speak with. Take detailed notes about what was discussed and any promises made. Request that corrections be made in writing.
Draft a Billing Dispute Letter
7 days after startingIf the issue isn't resolved by phone, write a formal billing dispute letter. Include your account number, specific details about the disputed charges, copies of supporting documentation, and a clear statement of the resolution you seek. In South Carolina, sending a written dispute provides better legal protection than verbal disputes alone.
Send dispute letter via certified mail
8 days after startingMail your dispute letter using certified mail with return receipt requested. This provides legal proof of delivery, which is important if you need to escalate the dispute later. Under South Carolina law, this establishes a clear timeline for when the company was notified of the dispute.
Complete a Fair Credit Billing Act Dispute Form (if applicable)
10 days after startingIf the disputed bill involves a credit card charge, you have additional protections under the federal Fair Credit Billing Act. Complete the FCBA dispute form within 60 days of the first bill containing the error. Even though this is federal law, it applies to South Carolina residents and provides important consumer protections.
File a complaint with the South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs
40 days after startingIf the company doesn't respond to your dispute within 30 days or refuses to correct the error, file a complaint with the SC Department of Consumer Affairs. Complete their Consumer Complaint Form with all relevant details and documentation. The SCDCA can mediate between you and the company to help resolve the dispute.
Consider filing in Small Claims Court
70 days after startingIf all other methods fail, you may file a case in South Carolina's Magistrate Court (small claims). In SC, you can represent yourself in claims up to $7,500. You'll need to file in the county where the company is located or where the contract was signed. The filing fee is typically $80-$150, but you can request these costs be added to your judgment if you win.
Monitor your credit report
Ongoing days after startingWhile disputing a bill, regularly check your credit report for any negative marks related to the disputed amount. Under South Carolina law and the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act, you can dispute inaccurate information on your credit report. If the company reports the disputed amount to credit bureaus, send the credit bureaus copies of your dispute documentation.
Maintain a complete record of all communications
Ongoing days after startingThroughout the dispute process, maintain a detailed file of all communications, including copies of letters, emails, notes from phone calls, and any responses received. In South Carolina courts, well-documented evidence of your dispute efforts will significantly strengthen your case if legal action becomes necessary.
| Task | Description | Document | Days after starting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Review and gather all billing documentation | Collect all relevant billing statements, invoices, and payment records. Look for discrepancies between what you believe you owe and what the company claims. Document specific errors such as duplicate charges, incorrect amounts, or charges for services not received. In South Carolina, having complete documentation is essential for successfully disputing a bill. | - | 1 |
| Review your service contract or agreement | Carefully read the terms of your original contract or service agreement to understand your rights and obligations. Look for clauses related to billing disputes, cancellation policies, and any mandatory arbitration requirements. South Carolina follows the 'four corners rule' which means courts primarily look at what's written in the contract itself when resolving disputes. | - | 2 |
| Compile your payment history records | Create a comprehensive record of all payments made to the company, including dates, amounts, and payment methods. Include bank statements, canceled checks, or electronic payment confirmations. Under South Carolina law, maintaining accurate payment records is your responsibility as a consumer. | - | 3 |
| Contact the company directly | Before escalating, contact the billing department directly to resolve the issue. South Carolina encourages consumers to attempt direct resolution first. Document the date, time, and name of representatives you speak with. Take detailed notes about what was discussed and any promises made. Request that corrections be made in writing. | - | 4 |
| Draft a Billing Dispute Letter | If the issue isn't resolved by phone, write a formal billing dispute letter. Include your account number, specific details about the disputed charges, copies of supporting documentation, and a clear statement of the resolution you seek. In South Carolina, sending a written dispute provides better legal protection than verbal disputes alone. | Billing Dispute Letter | 7 |
| Send dispute letter via certified mail | Mail your dispute letter using certified mail with return receipt requested. This provides legal proof of delivery, which is important if you need to escalate the dispute later. Under South Carolina law, this establishes a clear timeline for when the company was notified of the dispute. | - | 8 |
| Complete a Fair Credit Billing Act Dispute Form (if applicable) | If the disputed bill involves a credit card charge, you have additional protections under the federal Fair Credit Billing Act. Complete the FCBA dispute form within 60 days of the first bill containing the error. Even though this is federal law, it applies to South Carolina residents and provides important consumer protections. | Fair Credit Billing Act Dispute Form | 10 |
| File a complaint with the South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs | If the company doesn't respond to your dispute within 30 days or refuses to correct the error, file a complaint with the SC Department of Consumer Affairs. Complete their Consumer Complaint Form with all relevant details and documentation. The SCDCA can mediate between you and the company to help resolve the dispute. | Consumer Complaint Form | 40 |
| Consider filing in Small Claims Court | If all other methods fail, you may file a case in South Carolina's Magistrate Court (small claims). In SC, you can represent yourself in claims up to $7,500. You'll need to file in the county where the company is located or where the contract was signed. The filing fee is typically $80-$150, but you can request these costs be added to your judgment if you win. | Small Claims Court Complaint | 70 |
| Monitor your credit report | While disputing a bill, regularly check your credit report for any negative marks related to the disputed amount. Under South Carolina law and the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act, you can dispute inaccurate information on your credit report. If the company reports the disputed amount to credit bureaus, send the credit bureaus copies of your dispute documentation. | - | Ongoing |
| Maintain a complete record of all communications | Throughout the dispute process, maintain a detailed file of all communications, including copies of letters, emails, notes from phone calls, and any responses received. In South Carolina courts, well-documented evidence of your dispute efforts will significantly strengthen your case if legal action becomes necessary. | - | Ongoing |
Frequently Asked Questions
The first step is to contact the service provider or merchant in writing. Send a detailed letter explaining why you're disputing the bill, including any relevant account numbers, dates, and amounts. Keep copies of all correspondence and send your dispute letter via certified mail with return receipt requested to create proof of your communication. Many billing disputes can be resolved at this stage through direct communication.
Yes. For credit card billing disputes, the Fair Credit Billing Act requires you to dispute charges within 60 days of receiving the bill. For medical bills, you typically have 30-180 days depending on the provider. For utility bills, South Carolina law generally requires disputes to be filed within 25 days of receiving the bill. Other types of bills may have different timeframes, so it's important to act promptly when you notice a billing error.
It depends on the type of bill. For credit card disputes, you don't have to pay the disputed amount while it's under investigation, but you must pay any undisputed portions. For utility bills in South Carolina, you generally must pay the undisputed portion to avoid disconnection. For medical bills, paying the undisputed portion can prevent the account from going to collections while you resolve the disputed amount. Always clarify the payment expectations with the biller during the dispute process.
South Carolina offers several resources: The SC Department of Consumer Affairs handles many consumer billing disputes; the SC Public Service Commission regulates utility billing issues; the SC Department of Insurance can assist with insurance billing problems; and the SC Department of Health and Environmental Control may help with certain medical billing concerns. Each agency has specific jurisdiction, so contact the one most relevant to your particular billing dispute.
Yes, you can dispute medical bills in South Carolina. Start by requesting an itemized bill and reviewing it carefully for errors. Contact the healthcare provider's billing department in writing to explain the dispute. If unsuccessful, you can file a complaint with the SC Department of Consumer Affairs or contact the hospital's patient advocate. For billing issues with health insurance coverage, the SC Department of Insurance may be able to assist. Medical billing errors are common, so it's worth reviewing bills carefully.
Keep copies of: the original bill and any previous bills; all correspondence with the company (letters, emails); notes from phone conversations (including date, time, and representative's name); proof of payments made; any contracts or service agreements; delivery confirmations for dispute letters; and any responses from the company. This documentation creates a paper trail that will be crucial if your dispute escalates to regulatory agencies or small claims court.
Yes, if other resolution methods fail, you can file in South Carolina's Magistrate Court (small claims) for disputes up to $7,500. You'll need to file in the county where the company is located or where the transaction occurred. The filing fee ranges from $25-$80 depending on the amount claimed, though you can request a fee waiver if you have financial hardship. The process is designed to be navigated without an attorney, though having one is permitted.
South Carolina follows the federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) and has additional state protections under the SC Consumer Protection Code. These laws prohibit debt collectors from using harassment, false statements, or unfair practices. During a legitimate dispute, collectors must verify the debt and cease collection activities until providing verification. You can send a written request to stop contact, though this doesn't eliminate the debt. If collectors violate these protections, you may have grounds for a complaint or lawsuit.
If a company ignores your dispute, escalate by: filing a complaint with the SC Department of Consumer Affairs; contacting the appropriate regulatory agency (like the Public Service Commission for utilities); filing a complaint with the Better Business Bureau; reaching out to the company's corporate headquarters; considering mediation through the SC Bar's dispute resolution program; or as a last resort, filing in small claims court. Document all attempts at resolution as this history strengthens your case.
Yes, unpaid disputed bills can potentially damage your credit score if reported to credit bureaus. To protect your credit during a dispute: notify credit bureaus about the disputed charge (you can place a 100-word consumer statement on your report); continue paying undisputed portions of bills; request the company not report the disputed amount during investigation; and monitor your credit reports regularly. Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, properly disputed items should be marked as 'in dispute' on your credit report until resolved.