WI consumer protection - what scams to watch for

By Blake Jackson

The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) released its 2023 consumer complaint report, highlighting the agency's efforts to protect residents from various scams and unfair practices. Key takeaways include: 

Top Complaints: 

• Landlord-tenant disputes: The most common issue, with over 2,200 complaints (slight increase from 2022). Key concerns included security deposit returns, eviction, unauthorized entry, and inadequate service. 
• Telemarketing: Down slightly from 2022, involving robocalls, phishing, imposter scams, and Do Not Call Registry violations. DATCP joined national efforts to crack down on illegal telemarketing operations. 
• Home improvement: Concerns doubled from 2022, with issues like failure to provide services, poor quality work, and deceptive practices. DATCP contributed to prosecuting a major home improvement scam in the state. 
• Telecommunications: Down slightly, involving billing disputes, disconnections, misleading representations, and issues with refunds and cancellations. Consumers urged us to carefully review contracts and service limitations. 
• Identity theft: Decreases slightly, with online account takeovers being the most reported issue. Consumers are encouraged to use unique passwords and two-factor authentication for key accounts. 

Other Notable Complaints: 

• Medical services: Slight decrease, with billing disputes and deceptive practices being main concerns. 
• Motor vehicle repair: Complaints more than doubled, with issues like failing to perform repairs, poor quality work, and misleading advertising. 
• Travel: Involving car rentals, airlines, hotels, and travel bundles. Common issues included billing disputes, refund policies, and service problems. 
• Motor vehicle sales (new and used): Concerns included inadequate disclosures, deceptive practices, and prize notice/marketing violations. 
• Motor vehicle accessories: Deceptive advertising, refund issues, defective products, and non-delivery were leading complaints. 

DATCP's Impact: 

• Over $3.3 million returned to consumers through mediation and enforcement. 
• Proactive education efforts through resources like the Landlord-Tenant Guide. 
• Collaboration with federal and state agencies to tackle national scams. 

Protecting Yourself: 

• Be informed about your rights and responsibilities before entering any agreement. 
• Read contracts carefully and ask questions if anything is unclear. 
• Be wary of unsolicited offers and deals that seem too good to be true. 
• Report suspected scams and unfair practices to DATCP. 

By staying informed and vigilant, Wisconsin residents can work with DATCP to create a fairer and safer marketplace for everyone. 

For more information and consumer protection resources or to file a complaint, visit DATCP’s Consumer Protection webpage at ConsumerProtection.wi.gov. DATCP’s Consumer Protection Hotline can be contacted at (800) 422-7128 or DATCPHotline@wisconsin.gov.

Photo Credit: pexels-anna-tarazevich