Consumer Protection

Consumer protection safeguards the public when they buy goods and services against unfair practices in the marketplace. This page provides consumer protection resources and links.

Consumer Protection Information

Consumer protection is a set of laws and regulations that protect consumers from unfair business practices. The goal of consumer protection is to ensure that consumers can make informed decisions and have recourse if they are treated unfairly. The following agencies assist the public with consumer protection.

South Dakota Office of Attorney General Consumer Protection Federal Trade Commission Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

Consumer Protection Resources

Budgeting

The basics about how to make a budget, use credit, avoid scams and more from the Federal Trade Commission's consumer.gov.

Buying a Car

Information from the South Dakota Office of the Attorney General Consumer Protection about buying a car, used vehicle purchases, extended warranty for vehicles and South Dakota's Lemon Law.

Credit Cards

Information from the South Dakota Office of the Attorney General Consumer Protection about credit, debit and ATM cards.

Credit Scores

Information from the Federal Trade Commission about credit scores and how the credit scoring systems work.

Debt Collection

Information from the South Dakota Office of Attorney General Consumer Protection about debt collection.

Do Not Call Registry

The National Do Not Call Registry gives you a choice about whether to receive telemarketing calls

Filing a Complaint

Information from the South Dakota Office of Attorney General Consumer Protection about your right to complain to a business when you have a consumer problem.

Identity Threat

Information from the South Dakota Office of Attorney General Consumer Protection about identity theft, protecting your information, what to do if your identity is stolen and security breaches.

Landlord/Tenant

Information from the South Dakota Office of Attorney General Consumer Protection about the rights and duties of landlords and tenants in South Dakota.

Loans and Mortgages

Information from the Federal Trade Commission about understanding consumer loans including payday loans and car title loans, plus home mortgages and home equity loans.

Medical Issues and Billing

Information from the South Dakota Office of Attorney General Consumer Protection about medical issues and billing, health care privacy, medical identity theft, and correcting mistakes in your medical records.

Payday Loans

Information from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau about payday loans, which are short-term, high-cost loans of generally $500 or less.

Consumer Protection Related Topics

Get Legal Help

A legal proceeding can present significant challenges for individuals, and obtaining legal assistance may be the best step for you to take. South Dakota has legal assistance options available that offer little to no-cost for individuals who meet certain income requirements.

Understanding the Courts

Topics in this section provide an overview of the court system in South Dakota—what the courts job is, how the courts work, and how the courts serve the public and society.

Representing Yourself

Prepare to represent yourself in court with these tips on self-representation, including how to fill out forms, start a court action, prepare for your court appearance, do research and present yourself in a courtroom.