No Call List Quarterly Deadline Approaching (May 31)
May 23, 2013
With summer travel just around the corner, your list of to-dos this vacation season is probably spilling off the page but if you can sneak one more quick and easy chore on to the pile, add “Sign up for Wisconsin’s No Call List.”
May 19-25 is Emerald Ash Borer Awareness Week
May 16, 2013
Emerald Ash Borer Awareness Week is coming up, just in time for the kickoff to the summer camping season. Remember, when it comes to firewood, DO leave home without it.
Alice in Dairyland Shares the Story of Soybeans
May 15, 2013
Wisconsin soybeans will soon be planted across the state and come harvest time, these soybeans will impact all of us from the food we eat to the products we use. This May, 65th Alice in Dairyland Rochelle Ripp is partnering with the Wisconsin Soybean Marketing Board to share the story of soybeans.
Final Ag Census Deadline is May 31
May 15, 2013
The final deadline to complete and return your 2012 Census of Agriculture is May 31. DATCP reminds farmers about the importance of having your farm counted. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service only conducts the Census once every five years.
Garbe Weighs the Benefits of a Major Career Change
May 15, 2013
As a Weights and Measures Inspector for the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP), Jay Garbe tends to think in ounces and pounds. It’s a far cry from when he used to work in teaspoons and tablespoons.
Purple Traps Going Up to Track Emerald Ash Borer
May 14, 2013
It's time again for those purple traps to appear in trees across Wisconsin, as state and federal employees place up to 1,100 of the boxes. The goal is to catch emerald ash borers if they're there, to find new infestations and track movement of the tree-killing insect.
Gypsy Moth Aerial Spraying Under Way
May 14, 2013
Gypsy moth aerial spraying got off the ground Tuesday morning in southern Wisconsin. Spray plans change with the weather. To stay up to date and view maps of spray locations, go to
gypsymoth.wi.gov. You can also stay updated at
twitter.com/widatcp.
Clark County to Host Next Alice in Dairyland Finals
May 13, 2013
The next Alice in Dairyland Finals will be hosted by Clark County. DATCP Secretary Ben Brancel made the announcement Friday evening.
Foss Fine Meats recalls bratwurst, meat loaf and summer sausage
May 10, 2013
Foss Fine Meats, a Sparta, Wisconsin establishment, is voluntarily recalling its beer bratwurst, meat loaf and summer sausage products containing potential allergens that are not listed in the ingredient statement, the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection announced today.
Olson Named the 66th Alice in Dairyland
May 10, 2013
The 66th Alice in Dairyland is Kristin (Natzke) Olson. Olson will now be the state’s agricultural ambassador for one year as an employee of the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP).
All is Fair for DATCP’s Rein
May 1, 2013
For every ribbon at a county or district fair, there is a long list of people working behind the scenes to make that experience enjoyable and memorable for the exhibitor. Cindy Rein is one of them.
New State-Federal Plan Opens Way for Wisconsin Seed Potato Exports
April 26, 2013
A new state-federal program will help Wisconsin seed potato growers move their product into international markets by assuring trading partners of pest- and disease-free status. Wisconsin is one of 12 states participating in the State National Harmonization Plan.
Lodi Student is State Cabbage Winner
April 26, 2013
The Wisconsin State Winner of the Bonnie Plants Cabbage Program is Hailey Richardson of Lodi Elementary School in Lodi. DATCP Secretary Ben Brancel, 65th Alice in Dairyland Rochelle Ripp and State Representative Keith Ripp made the award presentation Friday at the school.
Watch for Charity Scams in Aftermath of Boston Bombing
April 17, 2013
The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) is urging consumers to use caution before sending money to a charity claiming to help those affected in the Boston bombing.
Walgreens Pays Civil Forfeiture for Price Scanner and Signage Issues
March 25, 2013
Walgreen Company of Deerfield, Illinois (“Walgreens”) paid a civil forfeiture settlement of $29,241.50 for alleged violations of price scanner inaccuracies and signage issues in stores throughout Wisconsin.
Students: Share Travel Plans with Family to Avoid Grandparent Scams
March 15, 2013
With spring break just around the corner, the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection is asking students to share their travel plans with family members in order to avoid becoming victims of family emergency scams – better known as “grandparent scams.”
Inspection Numbers Show Wisconsin Consumers Got a Fair Deal in 2012
March 7, 2013
We all know the old expression: “money comes and money goes.” If it is a given that money is going to “go,” then you should at least have some reassurance that you are getting your money’s worth for your purchases. That is where the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection’s (DATCP) Weights and Measures team steps in.
DATCP Investigation Leads to Charges Against Roofer
February 27, 2013
Alliance Construction & Roofing, an Ohio-based company, has been charged by the Dane County District Attorney’s Office with multiple violations of the state’s consumer laws. This case is based on a recent investigation by the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) and the Verona Police Department.
No Call List Quarterly Deadline Approaching (Feb. 28)
February 22, 2013
The next quarterly deadline for registrations is February 28, and the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) is reminding Wisconsin residents to add their numbers to the list or to renew their registrations if it has been more than two years since the number was added.
Online Dating Scams Lead to Heartache and Empty Wallets
February 13, 2013
If you intend to look online for your valentine, be mindful that scammers are also on those sites looking for you and your pocketbook. The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection asks Wisconsin residents to keep an eye out for signs that they are being led into a “sweetheart scam.”
Consumer Protection Announces 2012 Top Complaints
February 12, 2013
The complaints have been counted, and it is clear that “Robo Rachel” had a field day with Wisconsin consumers in 2012. For the tenth straight year, telemarketing complaints ranked first on the “Top Ten Consumer Complaints” list released by DATCP.
DATCP NEWS RELEASE: Wisconsin Gold Buyers on the Level with Precious Metal Scales
February 8, 2013
As the value of gold has risen, so have the number of visits to precious metal resale shops by consumers looking to turn their unwanted jewelry into cold, hard cash. This rush opens a door for unscrupulous resellers to tip the scales in their favor. A recent survey of resale scales by the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP), however, finds that consumers statewide can feel confident that they are getting a fair assessment for the value of their precious metals by Wisconsin resellers.
Kraft to Pay Civil Forfeiture and Take Corrective Action for Package Weight Shortages
January 30, 2013
Kraft Foods Group, Inc. of Northfield, Illinois, which owns Oscar Mayer, will pay a civil forfeiture of $13,911.50 and take systemwide corrective actions following alleged violations of short-weight packages found in Wisconsin stores. This marks the company’s third civil forfeiture of the state’s weights and measures statutes in the past two years.
Think Digital Safety on Data Privacy Day, January 28
January 24, 2013
If you use the internet, you have a digital footprint. Whether you are shopping, searching, listening to music or posting to a social media account, you are leaving traces of your activities online, and it is important to protect your identity from thieves and scammers. In order to help Wisconsin consumers learn about ways to tighten the security around their digital activities, the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) is celebrating Data Privacy Day on January 28th.
DATCP to Perform Inspections at the Port of Duluth
January 11, 2013
The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) is pleased to announce an agreement with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) in which DATCP will perform USDA-certified grain inspection services in the Port of Duluth, Minnesota.
CONSUMER ALERT: It's Game Time for Playoff Ticket Scams
January 9, 2013
With the NFL playoffs underway and the Super Bowl just around the corner, the already-high demand for postseason tickets is rising. A new round of scams is targeting Packers fans looking to buy, sell or show off their playoff tickets. DATCP asks ticket holders to protect their passes from scammers.
Resolve to Make a Wise Fitness Membership Decision
January 8, 2013
The new year is upon us and consumers across Wisconsin will join a fitness center in order to work toward a resolution of better health in 2013. The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) suggests that consumers do their homework before signing a new contract or making a down payment to a fitness or weight reduction center.
Resolve to Make a Wise Fitness Membership Decision
January 8, 2013
The new year is upon us and consumers across Wisconsin will join a fitness center in order to work toward a resolution of better health in 2013. The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) suggests that consumers do their homework before signing a new contract or making a down payment to a fitness or weight reduction center.
Deck the Halls with Gift Receipts
December 18, 2012
Wrapping those gifts today? Remember the gift receipts. The holidays are a time for giving…and returning. The National Retail Federation estimated last holiday season that consumers would return more than $46 billion in products over the course of the season. DATCP suggests that consumers learn how refunds and returns work before gift giving.
DATCP NEWS RELEASE: The “Naughty” and “Nice” of Gift Card Resales
December 14, 2012
If you are thinking about checking off your shopping list by stocking up on gift cards, you are not alone. The National Retail Federation expects gift card sales to account for more than $28 billion this holiday season, with more than 80% of shoppers expected to buy at least one gift card. This interest has led to an online market for used or unwanted gift cards, and the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) advises consumers to be cautious of fraud if they are looking to save money by buying cards second-hand.
JOINT NEWS RELEASE: Beware of Tax Refund Scams
December 10, 2012
Tax season is coming – a time when people receive their W-2 forms, file tax returns and anxiously await tax refunds. Unfortunately, fraudsters also know that people are looking forward to tax refunds and will use that knowledge to steal refunds and trick consumers into giving up personal financial information.
No Call List Quarterly Deadline Approaching (Nov. 30)
November 26, 2012
You are likely to be very busy over the next couple of weeks with holiday planning, shopping and get-togethers. With that in mind, you should knock out your easiest chores while you still have some time. For example, register or re-register your phone number on the Wisconsin No Call List before the next quarterly deadline on November 30.
Nieto Empowering Wisconsin's Latino Consumers
November 21, 2012
For Wisconsin’s Latino population, there has long been a question of who to turn to for consumer protection help. That is where Kristy Nieto steps in.
Help Santa Safely Use the Internet
November 20, 2012
While “Black Friday” brings out the brick and mortar shopping crowds, it is “Cyber Monday” two days later that kicks off the shopping season for internet-focused consumers. DATCP asks consumers to use care when shopping online on Cyber Monday and throughout the entire holiday season.
Planning Ahead for Black Friday Success
November 19, 2012
On Thanksgiving afternoon just after the plates are cleared, many Americans start planning their strategies for holiday shopping. For the most dedicated among them, the plan starts with a full-court press on “Black Friday,” one of the busiest shopping days of the year. Wisconsin’s Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) is offering holiday shopping tips to help make sure you are really getting a bargain – on Black Friday and throughout the holiday season.
Watch for Donation Scams in Hurricane Sandy's Wake
October 31, 2012
As the eastern United States begins its slow recovery, the Wisconsin Bureau of Consumer Protection cautions residents to watch out for scams and to research organizations to ensure that they are legitimate charities donating to the hurricane recovery.
Tips to Ensure a Happy (and Safe) Halloween
October 26, 2012
Halloween is a night of fun and adventure for children and their families, but any activity where kids criss-cross neighborhood streets after dusk comes with some risk. The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection offers the following suggestions to help make your Halloween a safe and memorable one.
DATCP Media Advisory: Shred Event in Middleton, October 13
October 10, 2012
As part of its Cyber Security Month campaign, the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection is sponsoring a community shredding event in Middleton on October 13. The event is co-sponsored by Access Information Management.
Wisconsin Farmers: DATCP’s APS Program Has Got Your Back
October 10, 2012
The fall harvest has begun and grain facilities are lining up to purchase world-class crops from Wisconsin farmers. To ensure that Wisconsin farmers receive a fair shake in the sale of their products, the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) manages the state’s Agricultural Producer Security (APS) program and fund.
October is Cyber Security Month
October 2, 2012
Are you and your family safe and secure online? Governor Walker has declared October as Cyber Security Awareness Month. Throughout the month, ReadyWisconsin will feature easy to follow tips that can stop cybercriminals before they strike your computer or mobile devices.
Click here to read the full press release.
DATCP NEWS RELEASE: All That Glitters is Not Gold at Resale Roadshows
September 28, 2012
The increasing value of gold is a staple on the nightly news and consumers nationwide have eagerly sold heirlooms, coins and jewelry to resale companies for cold, hard cash. But for attendees looking to cash in at resale events held by THR & Associates, the path to easy money may not always be golden.
Free, Secure Document Shredding in Middleton on Saturday, October 13
September 27, 2012
Now that most of the summer vacations and family gatherings have passed, many people are facing a growing pile of paperwork that is waiting to be tackled. As the stack of sensitive documents grows, you run the risk of becoming a victim of identity theft. For Madison area consumers and small businesses wondering how to safely discard this liability, help is just around the corner.
Study Up on ID Theft Risks for College Students
September 10, 2012
A slide rule never got hacked and a spiral notebook never required a password, so identity theft on college campuses may not have been a great threat in the past.
Today’s college students, however, are “connected” through technologies that did not exist even five years ago. Students filing into their dorms have laptops on their desks, smartphones in their pockets and tablets in their backpacks. The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection is asking families to take steps to minimize the risks of identity theft.
DATCP Closed Monday, September 3rd for Labor Day
August 31, 2012
The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection will be closed for business on Labor Day - Monday, September 3rd. We will be open again for business on Tuesday, September 4th.
Wisconsin’s No Call List Quarterly Deadline: August 31
August 20, 2012
There is still plenty of time to add your residential landline and cell numbers to Wisconsin’s No Call List before the quarterly deadline. Wisconsin residents who add their numbers by August 31 will receive protection from unsolicited telemarketing phone calls and text messages starting on October 1.
Invasive Pests: Emerald Ash Borers & Unscrupulous Tree Care Services
August 13, 2012
The threat of emerald ash borers (EAB) destroying your trees is a troubling thought. Shady businesses may try to use this fear to get you to buy expensive treatments or agree to tree removal services. The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) reminds Wisconsin residents to take the time to make an informed decision before agreeing to anything.
Fireworks Safety Tips to Help Your Fourth of July Sparkle
June 29, 2012
From sea to shining sea, Americans will celebrate our nation’s birthday next week with family gatherings, cookouts and fireworks. State officials are asking Wisconsin families to use great caution with fireworks during this year’s celebrations, particularly in the presence of children.
“No Call Challenge” Planned for Farm Technology Days
June 27, 2012
The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) has a special goal planned for Farm Technology Days, and they need the public’s help to meet it. DATCP’s Consumer Protection Bureau is challenging itself to register at least 1,000 new numbers to the state’s No Call List over the course of the three-day event.
Appliance World Settles Outstanding Customer Claims
June 14, 2012
For Appliance World customers who worried about their outstanding and unfilled orders when the Milwaukee-area company shut its doors in January, the wait is over. All outstanding claims have been handled and just over $89,000 in refunds and products have been returned to consumers.
No Call List Quarterly Deadline Approaching
May 29, 2012
May 31 is the quarterly registration deadline for Wisconsin’s No Call List. Wisconsin residents who add their numbers by that date will receive protection from unsolicited telemarketing phone calls and text messages starting on July 1.
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