Consumer Protection Fact Sheets

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​Find below an alphabetical list of all DATCP consumer protection fact sheets.​


Advance-Fee Loans
Advance-fee loan sharks prey on consumers by taking their money for the promise of a loan or credit, then ​leaving them in hot water.

Avoid Wedding Catastrophes​
​Weddings are supposed to be happy events. However, if you do not plan carefully, your happy event could become a catastrophe.

Bankruptcy
Y​ou want to get your money back for a product or service you were not satisfied with, but the company has gone bankrupt. What can you do?

Basement Waterproofing
Water problems can be difficult and costly for homeowners to correct, but expensive waterproofing is not always the answer.

Bedding Labeling
Wisconsin law requires labeling to distinguish between bedding products made of secondhand material and new material​.

Brushing Scams
Have you received a package containing merchandise you didn't order? These deliveries may be part of a "brushing" scam​.

Business Opportunities
Want to “be your own boss,” “work from home,” or "escape your 9 to 5?” Before you pay anything, do your research.

Buying Clubs
Buying clubs attract consumers by advertising that members can buy goods at wholesale prices or at reduced rates.

Cable/Sat​ellite Subscriber Rights​
Signing up for cable or satellite TV service can be confusing. Protect yourself by knowing your rights as a subscriber.

Car Rentals & Collision Damage
​​Renting a car for your vacation or business trip? Rental car liability insurance coverage has confused consumers for many years.

Cell Phones
​​Cellular telephones are evolving into versatile, powerful devices that can make life easier, but not without costs and potential risks.

Charity Requests
Do some research before you give to a charitable organization to avoid fraudsters who want to take advantage of your generosity.

Chain Letters
Chain letters promise a big return on a small investment. Do not waste your money! Chain letters are illegal and they do not work.

Check Scams
If you cash a fake check and transfer a portion to another party, you will be on the hook when the bank discovers the forgery.

Child Care Safety​
Cribs, high chairs, locks, gates, and more. To create a safe environment for young children, review the safety tips included on this list.

Child Identity Protection
Minors make ideal targets for identity thieves because they have a clean credit history and the crime could go undetected for years.

Child Online Privacy
As a parent, you have control of the personal information companies collect online from your children under the age of 13.

College Financial Aid
With tuition skyrocketing, many students and their families fall prey to scholarship and financial aid scams in their efforts to pay the bills.

Computer Disposal
Before donating, selling or discarding your old computer, remove all personal/private info from the hard drive to prevent ID theft.

Computer Protection Tips
We use computers for everything. So what do you do when your computer is hacked? There are a few simple but very important steps.

Contracts
​​A contract is a legally-binding promise or agreement that is made between two or more people. Read it entirely before signing.

Cramming and Slamming
Cramming is the act of placing unauthorized charges on your phone bill. Slamming is switching your phone provider without permission.

Creating Strong Passwords​
Passwords are your first line of defense against cyber criminals while conducting online transactions or simply browsing the internet.

Credit Report Security Freeze
Wisconsin consumers have the right to place a security freeze on their credit reports. A security freeze can help protect from identity theft.

Data Breaches: What To Do
​​You just found out from the news or a notification letter that your personal information was part of a data breach. What should you do?

Dating Services
Looking for companionship? You may decide to seek the assistance of a dating service. Check them carefully before signing or paying.

Debit Scams
Consumers across the country are complaining about unauthorized debits from their checking accounts​. Fraudsters are often to blame.

Deceptive Advertising
​​Advertising has a great influence on our purchasing decisions. It​ is important for consumers to understand exactly what ads are saying.

Direct Marketing
Wisconsin's direct marketing law protects consumers in sales made anywhere away from the seller's place of business.

Door-to-Door Food Plans
Solicitors may appear at your front door and offer to sell you discounted meat or other food products. Th​ese food service plans can sometimes be misleading.

Elderly/Disabled Law
​People who take advantage of the elderly or disabled can face consequences in Wisconsin including forfeitures up to $10,000 for violating consumer laws.

Emergency Home Repair
In an emergency, consumers who need home repairs can be vulnerable to scams. You can prevent problems before they occur.

Environmental Advertising​
Many products are advertised as environmentally friendly, green, recycled or recyclable, etc. Unfortunately, it is not always clear what these claims mean.

Fair and Trade Show Exhibitors
Most consumers assume that all businesses at trade shows, fairs, or seminars are reputable. This can be a very expensive assumption.

Fitness Centers
There are many fitness center options out there, from expensive clubs to specialized gyms or bare-bones workout facilities​.

Foreign Money Scams
People in Wisconsin are being targeted to invest in complicated bank fraud schemes. These scams originate from all over the world​​.

Fraud Against Business
Each year, small businesses are targets of fraudulent and ​deceptive sales practices. Learn how to protect your business from fraud​.

Fraudulent Account Info Request
You have a right to receive copies of documents relating to fraudulent transactions made or accounts opened using your information.

Fraudulent Tax Returns
​The Wisconsin Department of Revenue assists victims of fraudulent tax returns, but there are a few steps any victim should take.

Free Credit Reports
Federal law requires nationwide consumer reporting companies to give you one free copy of your credit report per year upon request.

Generators
A generator may be able to power your refrigerator, home office, or other essentials during an outage. But they can be hazardous.

Gift Cards​
Scammers commonly try to fool consumers into sending them money in the form of gift cards. Learn how to use them safely​.

Government Grant Scams
​​Grant opportunities offering "money for nothing" are usually scams. You may lose money or your identity​ but will never see the promised grant.​

GPS Safety Tips
Most people unknowingly share a great deal of information about their exact location by simply posting 'geotagged' photos online.

Home Improv​ement Tips
Most contractors who do home improvements are honest, reliable and skilled. Your due diligence can prevent common issues.

Home Improvement Transients
These traveling crews blacktop driveways, paint, do roofing and siding, and more. They do shoddy work and are likely to steal from you.

Identity Theft Consumer Tips
Are you looking to limit your identity theft risks? This is an excellent one-stop resource for beginning your research.

Identity​ Theft Protection Services
There are many businesses that now offer credit report monitoring services, identity theft protection, and identity theft insurance.

Identity Theft Safeguards
There are many ways to protect your personal information. Learn the best methods for keeping your data and devices secure.

Immigration Consulting
Immigration consultants specialize in assisting consumers with immigration law matters. They are not attorneys​.​

Imposter Scams
Scammers impersonate trusted individuals and organizations to convince you to ​hand over your money or personal information.

In-Home Sales Parties
In-home sales parties can be a great opportunity, but there are several things you should know if you plan on attending or hosting.

International Phone Scams
​​Be cautious when calling an unfamiliar telephone number – it could be a costly international telephone call.​

Internet Business Opportunities​
​​​​Internet businesses sound like the perfect job. The truth is, like any business opportunity, there is no safe way to get rich quick.

Interstate Moving
​​A moving company should provide you with a written estimate, order for service, bill of lading, and an inventory list. Read your contract!

Invention Marketing
Inventors and entrepreneurs introduce new ideas to the public each year. Knowing how to get started is the first step to success.

Investment Fraud
You may be looking for ways to “put your money to work” and earn more. But your money could be lost if you get caught in an investment scam.

Junk Mail/Unwanted Calls
Americans receive millions of tons of junk mail every year, and telemarketing calls can be time-consuming and irritating. How can consumers reduce them?

Law Enforcement Fundraisers
Solicitations, calls, and mailings from groups claiming to have an affiliation with police or firefighters should be examined carefully. They may be deceptive.​

Leasing a Vehicle
Leasing lets you use a motor vehicle without purchasing it. Lease agreements are complex, so be sure you understand it before signing.

Liens
Liens are remedies created by statute to ensure payment to those who have improved the property of others.​

Lodging
​​Complaints in the lodging industry are often the result of miscommunication. Ask questions when making reservations.​

Magazine Sales
Thousands of consumers buy magazine subscriptions every year. Unfortunately, problems like unfair sales and billing errors can occur.

Mail Order/Unordered Merchandise
​​The Wisconsin Mail Order Law helps deal with a major mail order problem: failure to promptly deliver prepaid merchandise.

Manufactured Home Communities
Many people have found that living in a manufactured home community suits their way of life. Residents have rights and responsibilities.

Medical Billing
Many consumers face confusion about the medical bills they receive from hospitals, clinics, and other professionals.​

Medical Discount Plans
Medical discount plans can help to save money on health care costs, but they are not health insurance or ​a substitute for it.​​

Medical Identity Theft
When someone uses your private information to make fraudulent claims for medical goods or services, identity theft has occurred.

Medical Quackery
Today's snake oil sellers claim they have discovered new solutions to age-old problems involving health, beauty, vitali​ty, and happiness.

Money Scams
​Wiring money is like sending cash: once it is sent, you cannot get it back. Never agree to deposit a check and then wire money back​.

Mortgage Assistance Scams
The possibility of losing your home to foreclosure can be terrifying. Scam artists prey on the fears of desperate homeowners.

Motor Vehicle Care Tips
Keeping up with your car maintenance goes a long way in saving money and avoiding unexpected travel delays.​

Motor Vehicle Repair Tips
Avoid repair rip-offs by being prepared. Know how your vehicle works, how to select ​a technician, and your consumer rights.

Mystery Shopper Scams
​​Do you love to shop? If so, you may be tempted by emails or ads that claim you can earn a living as a secret or mystery shopper.

Negative Option Plans
​​A negative option is a marketing plan that makes it the responsibility of the consumer, not the seller, to cancel a contract or order.

Online Private Party Sale
To make sure the product, good, or service you are buying online is legitimate and priced appropriately, do some research.​

Phishing, Vishing, Smishing
When scammers 'bait' you into giving up your personal information, they're "phishing" you. There are numerous forms of phishing.

Phone Scams Targeting Seniors
Scam artists often target older people, knowing they tend to be trusting and polite toward strangers, and likely to be home to take calls.

Prescriptio​n Drug Assistance
Emails, ads, and websites for companies that guarantee free or low-cost prescription drugs for a hefty fee upfront are scams.​​

Price Comparison Advertising
Almost every seller makes use of price comparisons, in which current sales prices are compared to previous or future prices to show savings.

Price Gouging
For the price gouging law to be enforced, the Governor must certify there is an emergency disrupting normal business transacti​ons​.

Privacy Notices
Privacy notices explain what personal information a company collects; what will be done with it; and how you can limit it.

Prize Offers
Some prize offers and sweepstakes are scams that use attention-getting gimmicks to appear legitimate. These offers may cost you.

Product Safety Laws
​​Information to help consumers and businesses avoid safety hazards in household goods, toys, equipment, and other products.

Propane Consumer Tips
Wisconsin law does not regulate propane prices. Research your options, ask questions, and get everything in writing.

Public Record Scams
Wisconsin’s law protects consumers from solicitations fo​​​r public records by requiring disclosures and limiting fees being charged.​

Pyramid Schemes
Multi-level or “network” marketing plans are a way of selling goods or services through distributors. Some are illegal pyramid schemes.

Rebates
Rebates are offered for everyday purchases like toothpaste and shampoo as well as large ticket items like furnaces or a new car.

Rent to Own
Are you thinking of buying a new TV, refrigerator, couch or other “big-ticket” item? You may be considering the rent-to-own option.

Ever had a problem fixing an item? Many consumer complaints deal with unsatisfactory work or misdiagnosis of the problem.​

Return/Refund Policy
Misunderstandings about refund policies are common. Many problems can be prevented by a clear understanding of policy.​

Robocalls
If you answer the phone and hear a recorded message instead of a live person, it is a robocall. Robocalls come at all hours of the day or night.​

Safe Online Shopping Tips
The internet has fake ads, fraudulent websites, and scammers. But consumers​ can still​ have a safe online shopping experience​.​

Self-Service Storage
​​Do you need a place to store your things? A self-service storage facility may be the answer. Read a contract ​carefully before signing​.

Shopping Tips
Sales, refunds/returns, credit cards, loan offers, layaway, e-commerce and more — DATCP has one fact sheet to address all things shopping.​​

Seminar Pitch
Hucksters claim they will teach you valuable information about how to invest successfully or operate a profitable business.

Small Claims Court
Does someone owe you money? You may not need a lawyer and the rules are simpler than in most court proceedings.

Social Networking
Social networking websites are a place for internet users to come together. As these sites grow in popularity, so do their risks.

Solar Power Buying Tips
Home solar photovoltaic (PV) system installations are becoming common. But as solar power use increases, so do scams.

Spam​
Spam is commercial e-mails and text messages sent, often in bulk, to consumers without their prior request or consent.

Stop Telemarketers
​​The telephone rings, interrupting your dinner, favorite TV program, or nap. You rush to answer –​ and it is a telemarketer!​

Student Loan Debt Relief
Paying back student loans can be overwhelming. Scammers know this and take advantage of borrowers by offering to reduce or eliminate debt.​

Student Tips
​​​Identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes in the country. What you do now to protect your identity may affect your life for many years.

Student Tips to Prevent Identity Theft
The internet is a part of our everyday lives. While it makes communication easier, it also increases the risk of identity theft.

Surplus Goods and Government Sales
Most items in a surplus auction do not sell for unbelievably low prices. Government auction services usually sell goods at or below cost.

Tax Refund Loans​
Unfortunately, promises of "instant refunds" and "quick money" by tax preparer services are actually refund anticipation loans (RALs).

Tax Time Tips
Tax-related identity theft means your Social Security number was compromised. How can you notice it, and how can you prevent it?

Telecommunications Laws
DATCP regulates phone, cable, satellite, and internet service for personal use, not business. State law prohibits unfair practices.

Telemarketing​
Telemarketers may call or text only between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m. They must tell you they are selling something and who the seller is.

Tenant Rights & Responsibilities
Learn about considerations to make before you rent, while renting, and before terminating a tenancy, as well as eviction and unsafe conditions.​


Text Spam, AKA "Smishing"
Phishers use clever SMS text messages to trick you into giving them your personal information. This is known as "smishing."​

Ticket Refunds
In Wisconsin, consumers are protected from losing most prepaid admissions fees​ when an event is canceled or rescheduled.

Timeshares & Resellers
Planning your next vacation? Perhaps timesharing is on your list of options, but keep in mind that problems can occur.

Top Telemarketing Tips​
Unwanted telemarketer calls have been a consumer issue for years. Learn how to keep your personal information safe.

Toy Safety
​​Play is essential to a child’s development, but toys can cause injury. Parents can ensure playtime is fun, educational, and safe.

Travel Tips
Whether you are off to see the sights, ski the slopes, or sunbathe on the sand, it pays to be​ informed when traveling.

Vacation Protection Tips
Vacations are a prime opportunity for identity thieves, and your risk of fraud and identity theft may increase when you travel.

Vanity, or subsidy, publishers catch authors off guard with ads in newspapers and magazines that promise huge profits.​

Warehouse Storage
​When storing property like boats, pontoons, RVs, or motorcycles, protection from theft or damage should be your primary concern.

Warranties
There can be big differences between the warranties of two similar products manufactured by different firms.​

Weight Reduction Centers​
There are many weight loss programs from which to choose. Review them carefully before you sign a contract or pay any money​.​

What to Do if it Happens to You​
There are a number of useful steps that identity theft victims can take to help clear their records and reclaim their identities.

What's in Your Wallet?​
Most wallets contain personal information that would allow a thief to easily steal your identity, but you can minimize your risk.

Wi-Fi Usage Tips
Wi-Fi is a radio wave-based technology that allows devices to wirelessly connect to the internet, but not all networks are secure.

Wisconsin Do Not Call FAQ
The Wisconsin Do Not Call Registry lets you limit the telemarketing calls and texts you receive. Register your phone number for free.

Wisconsin's Data Breach Notification Law
State law requires most businesses to notify individuals if an unauthorized person has their info.

​​Work-at-Home
Work-at-home opportunities can sound like a way to make ends meet. But the reality is many of these jobs are scams.

Your Social Security Number
Social Security numbers were not originally meant to be used as a general identifier. Thieves steal them to set up fraudulent accounts.​