AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
1200 New Jersey Avenue SE
West Building
Washington, DC 20590
PHONE: 1-888-327-4236 or 1-800-424-9153 (TDD/TTY)
INTERNET: www.nhtsa.dot.gov 
HOURS: Monday-Friday, 8 am-10 pm (Spanish-speaking operators are available.)
FEES: None
APPLICATION PROCEDURES: Give year, make, model, & vehicle I.D.  Searches for information and filing complaints can also be done on the website.
To request information on recalls, or to report a safety problem, call this number or visit the website. Some examples of safety problems include tires that blow out unexpectedly because of improper design or construction, a complete or partial loss of brakes, wiring problems that result in a fire or loss of lighting, and steering components that may break suddenly. Also good for general automobile/highway safety information, including child safety seats. Gives information on vehicle crash tests results, tire quality grading, and other safety literature.
PARENT AGENCY: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Date of Last Update: 20090223

AUTOMOBILE DEALERS ASSOCIATION, SOUTH CAROLINA
Automotive Consumer Action Program
Bridgette Gruber, Autocap Coordinator
526 Hampton Street
Columbia, SC  29201
PHONE: (803)254-4040
HOURS: Monday-Friday, 9 am-5 pm
NADA-authorized third-party organization for mediating consumer-dealer disputes. Call if you have questions or problems with a franchised automobile dealer. Not a legal agency.
ALTERNATE CONTACTS: Executive Vice President-Patrick Watson
Date of Last Update: 20090129

BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU SERVING UPSTATE SOUTH CAROLINA
Kathy W. Barrett, President
408 North Church Street, Suite C
Greenville, SC  29601
PHONE: (864)242-5052 or 1-800-948-5791 (Region number) ; FAX: (864)271-9802
EMAIL: info@greenvillebbb.org
INTERNET: www.upstatesc.bbb.org
HOURS: Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 9 am-5 pm; Phone Hours: Monday-Friday, 9 am-3 pm
FEES: No fees for consumers
APPLICATION PROCEDURES: Inquires and complaints may be requested and taken by telephone. Application for BBB Memberships may be obtained by calling the Business Development Dept. at 1-800-948-5791 ext.312; Complaints by web: www.bbb.org; email; or form mailed in. Complaints not taken over the phone.
A non-profit organization which promotes ethical standards of business practice and protects consumers through voluntary self-regulation and monitoring activities. Provides information about a company before one does business. Also provides information about charitable organizations. Other programs are: Advertising Review (reviews advertising in the Upstate and takes advertising complaints); Elderly; AUTOLINE (national program of mediation and arbitration for automobile disputes.) BBB Care Program has consumer/business arbitration. Automated voice response telephone system allows 24 hours a day access. Business or charity reports may be obtained entering the telephone number of the business or charity.
FUNDING: Memberships
PARENT AGENCY: Council of Better Business Bureaus, Arlington, Virginia
AREA SERVED: Abbeville, Anderson, Cherokee, Greenville, Greenwood, Laurens, Oconee, Pickens, Spartanburg, and Union Counties
Date of Last Update: 20091008

CONSUMER AFFAIRS, SOUTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF
Patty Guthrie, Upstate Outreach
PO Box 5757
Columbia, SC  29250-5757
STREET ADDRESS: 3600 Forest Drive, 3rd Floor
PHONE: 1-800-922-1594 (Toll Free in S.C.) or (803)734-4200 (Local and out-of-state); Teletips Recorded Consumer Information: 1-888-734-4215 (toll free in S.C.) or (803)734-4215
EMAIL: pguthrie@scconsumer.gov
INTERNET: www.scconsumer.gov   
HOURS: Monday-Friday, 8:30 am-5 pm
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: Open
FEES: None
APPLICATION PROCEDURES: Call, visit, write, access website: www.scconsumer.gov
Referral service and complaint mediator for consumers. Addresses general consumer complaints against businesses, including automobile dealerships. Advocates for and educates consumers on latest fraud and scams. Also provides recall information. The Consumer Product Safety Commission, which answers similar questions, may be reached at 1-800-638-CPSC.
FUNDING: State
ALTERNATE CONTACTS: Alice Brooks, Director Public Information
Date of Last Update: 20081215

CONSUMER CREDIT COUNSELING SERVICE OF COMPASS OF CAROLINA
Brent Bishop, Contact
145 North Church Street, Suite 120 A, BTC #46
Spartanburg, SC  29306
PHONE: (864)583-7680 or SC toll free 1-800-203-9692
EMAIL: bishopb@compassofcarolina.org
INTERNET: www.compassofcarolina.org
HOURS: Open Monday-Friday, hours vary.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: None
FEES: Average cost $40.00. $40.00/month maximum for Debt Management Program. $50.00 for Bankruptcy Counseling.
APPLICATION PROCEDURES: Initial interview by telephone with a credit counselor; an application packet mailed (also available on website) and appointment scheduled if necessary.
Education programs for schools, community organizations, churches, etc., regarding any topic related to debt, credit, and money management. A counselor is available in Spartanburg during the hours listed above to provide money management/budget counseling, credit report counseling, and home ownership counseling. Appointments may be made by calling the office.  Representative payee program available. Agency provides bankruptcy counseling for pre-filing and pre-discharge.
FUNDING: Client fees; Voluntary contributions from creditors; United Way; other grants
PARENT AGENCY: Compass of Carolina
ALTERNATE CONTACTS: Thomas Bannister, President 1-800-203-9692
AREA SERVED: Primarily Spartanburg, Cherokee and Union Counties
Date of Last Update: 20091104

FEDERAL CITIZEN INFORMATION CENTER
Consumer Information Catalog
Federal Citizen Information Center
Pueblo, CO  81009
PHONE: 1-888-FED-INFO (1-800-333-4636)
EMAIL: catalog.pueblo@gsa.gov
INTERNET: www.pueblo.gsa.gov
HOURS: Monday-Friday, 8 am-8 pm EST
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: anyone needing consumer information
FEES: Free catalog, some booklets listed in catalog have a nominal charge
The Consumer Information Catalog is published four times a year. Each issue has a descriptive listing of more than 200 free or low-cost booklets from a variety of Federal agencies. The Catalog is available through schools, libraries, consumer groups, Federal Offices with large numbers of visitors, congressional offices and in response to individual requests. If you would like a free copy of the Consumer Information Catalog, write to the address above or call the toll-free number.
FUNDING: Federal
PARENT AGENCY: General Services Administration
AREA SERVED: Nationwide
Date of Last Update: 20090204

FINANCE OFFICE, SPARTANBURG CITY
Dennis R. Locke, Finance Director
PO Box 1749
Spartanburg, SC  29304
STREET ADDRESS: 145 West Broad Street
PHONE: (864)596-2059 (Finance Division) or (864)596-2055 (Revenue Division)
EMAIL: dlocke@cityofspartanburg.org
INTERNET: www.cityofspartanburg.org/city_government/city_departments/administrative_services.htm
HOURS: Monday-Friday, 8 am-5 pm
FEES: Business license fees are based on business revenue with the minimum fee starting at $27.50;  Annual animal licenses: $6.00 for spayed or neutered dogs and cats, $25.00 for unspayed or unneutered dogs and cats; Lifetime animal licenses for spayed or neutered dogs and cats: $40.00 or $25.00 for owners over 60 years old. Other fees vary.
APPLICATION PROCEDURES: Call, visit or download all applications; website for applications is www.cityofspartanburg.org/Online_Resources/Forms_Applications.htm
The Finance Division provides financial information and support to all City departments and agencies. This office collects revenue, prepares biweekly payrolls, reports and accounts for all Federal and State grants, manages accounts payable and maximizes investment of City funds. This office collects business license and dog license fees, parking ticket fines, and hospitality tax revenue. Any person who owns a business inside the corporate limits of Spartanburg or conducts business inside the City limits is required to purchase an annual business license from the City. Individuals should apply for a business license in the Finance Office at City Hall. Persons who live within the city and own dogs or cats are also required to obtain an animal license. For questions about licenses or fees, please call the City Revenue Division at 596-2055.
FUNDING: Taxes; Permits/Fees/Licenses; Fines; Intergovernment; Services
AREA SERVED: Spartanburg City
Date of Last Update: 20090603

GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION, UNITED STATES (GSA)
Property Disposal Division
Antionette Small, Administrative Contract Realty Assistant
401 W Peachtree Street, Suite 820
Atlanta, GA  30308
PHONE: (404)331-5133
EMAIL: antionette.small@gsa.gov 
INTERNET: https://www.propertydisposal.gsa.gov  Auction site: http://www.auctionrp.com
HOURS: 8 am-4 pm
The US General Services Administration (GSA) regularly sells property that is no longer needed by the federal government. Lists of real estate for sale are on the Property Disposal website. The property is generally sold on a separate auction website. www.auctionrp.com.
ALTERNATE CONTACTS: Cheryl Harvey, Property Disposal Administrative Support, (404) 331-2706, cheryl.harvey@gsa.gov
Federal Supply Service Property Management Division
Penelope Kyle, Supply Technician
401 W. Peachtree St., Ste., 2600, Atlanta, GA  30308
PHONE:  (404) 331-0040  or (404) 331-2000
EMAIL: penelope.kyle@gsa.gov
INTERNET: http://surplussales.gsa.gov
Hours: 8-4p
Description: The GSA Federal Property Management Division regularly sells surplus goods ranging from cars and office equipment to boats and airplanes.  Visit their sales website at http://surplussales.gsa.gov
Date of Last Update: 20090209

HEALTH DEPARTMENT, SPARTANBURG COUNTY
Vital Records
PO Box 4217
Spartanburg, SC  29305
STREET ADDRESS: 151 East Wood Street
PHONE: (864)596-2227, ext. 139
INTERNET: http://scdhec.gov
HOURS: Monday-Friday, 8:30 am-4 pm
FEES: Vary; call for current fees
APPLICATION PROCEDURES: Call, visit
The Spartanburg County Health Department has birth and death certificates from 1915-present.  Birth records are not public information and death records become public after 50 years. All records are also available at the state office in Columbia.  For Birth Certificates: The application must be signed by registrant, parent, guardian, or their legal representative.  For Death Certificates: SC Law (Section 44-63-84) provides that "Copies of death certificates may be issued to members of the deceased's family or their respective legal representatives...Others who demonstrate a direct and tangible interest may be issued copies when information is needed for the determination of a personal or property right."
PARENT AGENCY: South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control
AREA SERVED: Spartanburg
Date of Last Update: 20090923

INVESTOR EDUCATION AND INFORMATION PROGRAM
Patricia Simmons
Securities Division, PO Box 11549
Columbia, SC  29211-1549
PHONE: (803)734-9916
EMAIL: psimmons@ag.state.sc.us
INTERNET: www.scsecurities.org
HOURS: Monday-Friday, 8 am-4:30 pm
FEES: None
APPLICATION PROCEDURES: Brochures available at Spartanburg County Public Libraries
To help investors protect themselves from becoming victims of fraudulent investment schemes. Includes free programs and publications relating to several investment-related topics.
PARENT AGENCY: Office of the South Carolina Attorney General
AREA SERVED: South Carolina
Date of Last Update: 20090112

MASTER IN EQUITY, SPARTANBURG COUNTY
Gordon G. Cooper, Master-In-Equity
180 Magnolia Street
Spartanburg, SC  29306
PHONE: (864)596-2501
EMAIL: mastersoffice@spartanburgcounty.org
INTERNET: www.spartanburgcounty.org
HOURS: 8:30 am-5 pm
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: Must be 32 yrs old, served as a licensed attorney for 8 yrs, be a citizen of US and SC as well as resident of SC for 5 yrs before appointment.
FEES: Set by state law.  See SC Code Sect. 14-11-310
APPLICATION PROCEDURES: SC Rules of Civil Procedure
The Master-in-Equity is the Judge of the Equity Court, a division of the Circuit Court. Masters are appointed by the Governor, with input from the local legislative delegation, after screening by the Judicial Merit Selection Commission. Masters serve a six year term and hear such cases as are referred to them by Judges of the Circuit Court:  lien foreclosures, debt collection, property partitions, property line disputes, contract disputes, divisions of partnerships and other businesses, etc. In the event that real property is ordered to be sold in order to resolve one of these cases, the Master conducts the sales. Such sales are usually held the first Monday of each month. Notices of the sales are published at least three times before the sale (usually in the Spartan Weekly, Hometown News, or Spartanburg Herald Journal).
FUNDING: County by Statute
AREA SERVED: Spartanburg County
Date of Last Update: 20090220

MOTOR VEHICLES, SOUTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF
1625 Southport Road
Spartanburg, SC  29306
PHONE: (864)594-4940
INTERNET: www.scdmvonline.com
HOURS: 8:30 AM-5 pm, Monday-Friday; except state holidays
APPLICATION PROCEDURES: Visit
There are 2 other DMV offices in Spartanburg County: 8794 Fairforest Road, Suite B, Spartanburg 20303, (864)587-4713; 351 South Main Street, Woodruff, 29388, (864)476-5913. You can also call the state's 24-hour automated customer service number at 1-800-442-1368. To register your vehicle, you must have: proof of ownership (certificate of title or purchase), insurance information, Form 400 (available from the website), and a paid property tax receipt from the county (for more information, call the County Tax Assessor at 596-2544). A new driver's license must be obtained within 90 days of residency. A vehicle new to the state must be registered within 45 days of residency. The Division of Motor Vehicles has made its most common forms available to download from its website.
PARENT AGENCY: South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles
AREA SERVED: Spartanburg County
Date of Last Update: 20091014

REGISTER OF DEEDS, SPARTANBURG COUNTY
Steve Ford
366 North Church Street, Suite 100
Spartanburg, SC  29303
PHONE: (864)596-2514
EMAIL: sford@spartanburgcounty.org 
INTERNET: www.spartanburgcounty.org/govt/depts/regdeed/index.htm
HOURS: Monday-Friday, 8:30 am-5 pm
The Register of Deeds Office (formerly Register of Mesne Conveyance) is responsible for recording, indexing and maintenance of legal documents such as deeds, mortgages, plats, financing statements, tax liens, and other documents related to property transactions. The website has an online searchable database of documents.
AREA SERVED: Spartanburg County
Date of Last Update: 20090716

UNCLAIMED PROPERTY PROGRAM
State Treasurer's Office, PO Box 11778
Columbia, SC  29211
PHONE: (803)737-4771
EMAIL: payback@sto.sc.gov
INTERNET: www.treasurer.sc.gov
HOURS: Monday-Friday, 8:30 am-5 pm
The State Treasurer's Office has lists of unclaimed property. No physical property is listed, only financial assets such as savings accounts, checking accounts, stocks and bonds, insurance proceeds, uncashed payroll checks, old utility deposits, and customers’ overpayments. You can search for unclaimed property on the State Treasurer's website.
PARENT AGENCY: Treasurer, South Carolina
Date of Last Update: 20081219