South Carolina, February 14, 2026 - The South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs announced a new initiative today aimed at cracking down on deceptive advertising practices and protecting consumers from falling victim to fraudulent schemes. The campaign, entitled "Consumer Defender," will focus on educating the public about their rights as consumers and providing resources to help them identify and report fraudulent advertising.In a statement released by the Department of Consumer Affairs, Director of Consumer Protection, Sarah Johnson, emphasized the importance of protecting consumers from deceptive advertising practices. "Consumers deserve to have accurate and transparent information when making purchasing decisions," stated Johnson. "Our goal with the Consumer Defender campaign is to empower consumers with the knowledge and tools they need to avoid falling prey to misleading advertisements."As part of the Consumer Defender initiative, the Department of Consumer Affairs will be conducting outreach efforts through social media, community workshops, and educational materials to raise awareness about common deceptive advertising practices. Consumers will also have access to a hotline where they can report suspicious advertisements and seek guidance on how to protect themselves from fraudulent schemes.In addition to the educational component of the campaign, the Department of Consumer Affairs is also partnering with law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute businesses engaged in deceptive advertising practices. The campaign includes a focus on online scams, false claims, bait-and-switch tactics, and other misleading advertising strategies that prey on unsuspecting consumers.South Carolina residents are encouraged to stay vigilant and report any suspicious advertising practices to the Department of Consumer Affairs. By working together, consumers can help combat deceptive advertising and protect themselves and their communities from fraudulent schemes.For more information on the Consumer Defender campaign and how to report deceptive advertising practices, visit the Department of Consumer Affairs website at www.scdca.gov/consumerdefender. Together, we can protect consumers and ensure a fair marketplace for all South Carolinians.