Wisconsin's direct marketing law, Wis. Adm. Code ch. ATCP 127, protects consumers in
telephone, e-mail, fax, mail, and door-to-door transactions. This includes
sales made in motel and hotel rooms and other places away from the seller’s
place of business.
Before direct marketers say anything other than a short
greeting, they must disclose who they are, who they are soliciting on behalf
of, and what they are selling.
Before finalizing the sale, and taking a credit card number
or taking any money, they must disclose the cost, quantity, conditions, refund
policy and the name and address of the principal company.
A direct marketer cannot bill your credit card without your
verifiable authorization and the marketers must keep records of transactions
for at least two years.
The following actions are prohibited under the direct marketing law:
Threatening, intimidating or harassing consumers.
Failing to leave a consumer’s premises upon request.
Calling consumers who previously said they do not wish to
receive telephone solicitations from that seller.
Calling consumers before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m. without
their prior consent.
Representing to consumers that they are conducting a survey
or a contest, when they are trying to sell goods, or attempting to get
information for sales prospects.
Misrepresenting that they are affiliated with a government
or third-party organization.
Requesting or receiving payment for loan finder services
before the consumer actually receives the promised loan. This is aimed at
companies that promise loans, charge a fee, and disappear without producing the
loan.
In addition, Wisconsin's prize notice law, Wis. Stat. s. 100.171, prohibits solicitors from requiring a
purchase as a condition of entry into a prize promotion. Solicitors should verify the retail value of prizes and disclose the odds of
winning.
Right to Cancel (Wis. Adm. Code ch. ATCP 127 & Wis. Stat. s. 432.201-423.205)
In a direct marketing transaction initiated by a seller which involves the extension of credit or a cash sale of more than $25 away from the seller's regular place of business, you must be notified of your three-day right to cancel. This does not cover real estate, auctioned goods, items used for agricultural purposes, or insurance.
Your three-day right to cancel starts only after the seller has provided you the proper written notice of your right to cancel. If you do choose to cancel, send your cancellation notice by certified mail so you will have written proof that your cancellation notice was sent on time. Per s. 423.204, your money must be returned to you within 10 days of cancellation. Per Wis. Stat. s. 423.205, you may keep the product if the seller does not pick it up within 20 days after cancellation.
Unauthorized payment
Under Wis. Adm. Code ch. ATCP 127, the marketer must obtain your
authorization before asking for or accepting payment
via a credit card number or submitting a check.
Unordered goods
What about things you have received in the mail that you did
not order? Under Wis. Stat. s. 100.174, unsolicited merchandise is considered a
gift and may be kept without any obligation to the sender. Do not be pressured
to pay companies who make a practice of mailing unordered merchandise on a
“trial basis,” followed by phony invoices.
For more information or to file a complaint against a seller
you believe has violated the law, contact the Bureau of Consumer Protection.