(A) A licensee who handles the proceeds of an auction shall maintain a trust or escrow account with an insured bank or savings and loan association and shall deposit in this account within three business days all funds received for the benefit of another person, unless otherwise required by law or the owner or consignor of the property auctioned is paid within three business days.

(B) Upon issuance or renewal of a license, the licensee must provide the commission with the name of the bank and the account number of the trust or escrow account in which the funds of others are maintained and authorization permitting the examination of the account by the commission or its authorized representative, unless the licensee has provided certification to the commission that funds are paid within three business days. A licensee must notify the commission by certified mail, return receipt requested, of a change of bank, account number, or location of the trust or escrow account and, at that time, shall complete the required authorization for examination of the account by the commission or its authorized representative.

Terms Used In South Carolina Code 40-6-300

  • Escrow: Money given to a third party to be held for payment until certain conditions are met.

(C) A licensed auctioneer or licensed apprentice auctioneer in this State who works directly for a licensed auction firm or who works directly for another licensed auctioneer who maintains an active escrow account may use that escrow account and number in all applications for licensure or renewal, if the escrow account is used solely for the purpose of holding funds of others in relation to auctions.

(D) A licensee shall maintain complete records for at least three years showing the deposit, maintenance, and withdrawal of trust or escrow funds. These records must be open for inspection by the commission or its designated agent periodically, upon request, and without prior notice.