South Carolina regulator issues interim guidance to businesses regarding payment or performance deferrals and modifications

State Issues Covid-19 South Carolina Consumer Credit Repossession Foreclosure Mortgages Auto Finance ESIGN Fintech

On June 1, the South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs issued interim guidance regarding business activities during Covid-19, including payment or performance deferrals and modifications. The department strongly encourages persons and entities engaging in consumer credit transactions or other activities governed by the South Carolina Consumer Protection Code and subject to the department’s oversight to work with borrowers during the Covid-19 crisis and to “be practical, flexible, and empathetic.” The department also encourages businesses to adopt a number of measures related to modifications, workout strategies, waiving late fees, deferment charges, NSF fees, and certain ACH withdrawals, suspending charging off accounts, and suspending repossessions of collateral and foreclosure of real property. The interim guidance also addresses escrow accounts and electronic signatures, and sets forth additional resources for businesses and consumers.