Consumer Law at Your Fingertips

Telemarketing and Cable TV

Subscription and Billing Practices

• Wisconsin Statutes section 100.207 prohibits unfair subscription and billing practices related to telecommunications. The law prohibits deceptive sales claims, “negative option” billing practices and unfair collection practices. The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection and the Wisconsin Department of Justice administer this law. Violators may be prosecuted, and there is a private remedy for consumers.

• The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) regulates unfair and deceptive business practices. DATCP has adopted rules to regulate subscription and billing practices by providers of telecommunications and cable TV services. These rules prohibit “slamming,” “cramming,” “negative option” billing and other unfair practices. Violators may be prosecuted, and there is a private remedy for consumers. For more information, see Subscription and Billing Practices details.