The Bureau of Consumer Protection is committed to protecting Wisconsin consumers and businesses. Because the first line of defense against fraud is knowledge, we provide information on Wisconsin’s consumer laws and how to identify, stop and avoid fraud.
One way the Bureau of Consumer Protection educates consumers is by giving free presentations to the public through webinars and at workshops, conferences, and stand-alone events. The Bureau presents to a wide range of groups including business and professional organizations, law enforcement agencies, seniors, students, military members, and general consumers.
To schedule a Bureau of Consumer Protection presentation, or to request educational material for a community event, fill out the online Consumer Protection Outreach Request Form or contact DATCP's Consumer Protection Hotline at 1-800-422-7128 or via email at DATCPHotline@wi.gov. Provide details about your event such as date, time and location; the number of expected audience members; and what topic(s) you would like us to talk about. A member of the Consumer Protection Bureau will respond to your request within a week.
The Bureau of Consumer Protection offers presentations on the following topics which can be expanded for more information. These descriptions can also be viewed in
PDF format.
The Wisconsin Bureau of Consumer Protection helps educate and assist consumers in a variety of ways. This presentation highlights resources the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) offers consumers, how DATCP mediates complaints between consumers and businesses, the role of DATCP's investigation unit, and the many ways DATCP spreads awareness to keep consumers protected. To schedule a General Consumer Protection presentation, fill out the online Consumer Protection Outreach Request Form or contact DATCP's Consumer Protection Hotline at 1-800-422-7128 or via email at DATCPHotline@wi.gov.
As a consumer in Wisconsin, it is important to understand your rights and responsibilities under Wisconsin law. The Wisconsin Bureau of Consumer Protection will present information on identity theft, landlord and tenant rights and responsibilities, and motor vehicle contracts. This presentation is specifically designed for young adults who may be, for the first time in their lives, getting a credit card, renting an apartment, or dealing with a vehicle repair. To schedule a Consumer Protection for Young Adults presentation, fill out the online
Consumer Protection Outreach Request Form or contact DATCP's Consumer Protection Hotline at 1-800-422-7128 or via email at
DATCPHotline@wi.gov.
Children often have access to the internet at home, school, or even a friend’s house and they access the internet on a variety of different devices. Parents should be aware of their children’s online activities to help keep them safe. The Wisconsin Bureau of Consumer Protection will discuss safe practices for children while accessing the internet. Topics will include online gaming, downloading apps, sharing photos, and clicking on links. Consumer protection will also discuss laws that give parents control over what information a business can collect on a child and how that information can be used. To schedule an Internet Safety for Children presentation, fill out the online Consumer Protection Outreach Request Form or contact DATCP's Consumer Protection Hotline at 1-800-422-7128 or via email at DATCPHotline@wi.gov.
The Wisconsin Bureau of Consumer Protection will discuss the details of common scams, the warning signs of a scam, and what to do if you or someone you know falls victim to a scam or fraud. Helpful factsheets from the Bureau of Consumer Protection will be available. To schedule a Common Scams & Fraud presentation, fill out the online Consumer Protection Outreach Request Form or contact DATCP's Consumer Protection Hotline at 1-800-422-7128 or via email at DATCPHotline@wi.gov.
The Wisconsin Bureau of Consumer Protection will discuss the details of common scams that target seniors, the warning signs of a scam, and what to do if you or someone you know falls victim to a scam or fraud. Helpful factsheets from the Bureau of Consumer Protection will be available. To schedule a Scams & Fraud Targeting Seniors presentation, fill out the online Consumer Protection Outreach Request Form or contact DATCP's Consumer Protection Hotline at 1-800-422-7128 or via email at DATCPHotline@wi.gov.
You spend a lot of time building your business. But, if all of your hard work falls into the wrong hands, it can affect your reputation, your bottom line, your customers, and your employees. The more you and your employees learn about scams and fraud that target small businesses, the more protected your business will be. The Wisconsin Bureau of Consumer Protection will discuss the different types of scams and fraud, how to help prevent it, steps you can take to help protect your business, and what to do if you become a victim of a scam. To schedule a Scams & Fraud Targeting Small Businesses presentation, fill out the online Consumer Protection Outreach Request Form or contact DATCP's Consumer Protection Hotline at 1-800-422-7128 or via email at DATCPHotline@wi.gov.
Identity theft continues to be the fastest growing crime in the United States. The more consumers learn about it, the less vulnerable they are. The Wisconsin Bureau of Consumer Protection will explain the different types of identity theft, how to recognize it, and how to prevent it – including information about Fraud Alerts and Security Freezes. Receive tips for safeguarding personal information and how to recover from identity theft. Helpful brochures will be available. To schedule a Identity Theft & Privacy Protection presentation, fill out the online Consumer Protection Outreach Request Form or contact DATCP's Consumer Protection Hotline at 1-800-422-7128 or via email at DATCPHotline@wi.gov.
Business identity theft is a growing crime in the United States. In 2019, Dun & Bradstreet saw more than a 100% increase in business identity theft. For 2020, the company estimates an overall 258% spike in the crime. The more a business's leadership and employees know about it, the less vulnerable they are. The Wisconsin Bureau of Consumer Protection will explain the different types of business identity theft, how to recognize it, and steps to take to protect your business. To schedule a Business Identity Theft: Privacy Protection presentation, fill out the online Consumer Protection Outreach Request Form or contact DATCP's Consumer Protection Hotline at 1-800-422-7128 or via email at DATCPHotline@wi.gov.
There were over 1800 reported data breaches in 2021 – with millions of records exposed. Understanding the common causes of Business identity theft and data breaches is the first line of defense in protecting your company and valued customers. The Wisconsin Bureau of Consumer Protection will present information on data security and data breach awareness to help you with identifying data security risks within your business. They will review recent data breaches, common causes and why small to medium size businesses are targeted. They will also share ways to identify risks within your company and how to minimize them. Finally, they will share best practices for establishing data privacy and security policies for your business. To schedule a Privacy & Security for Businesses presentation, fill out the online Consumer Protection Outreach Request Form or contact DATCP's Consumer Protection Hotline at 1-800-422-7128 or via email at DATCPHotline@wi.gov.
Many Wisconsin residents live in rental housing. As a landlord or tenant in Wisconsin, it is important to understand your rights and responsibilities. The Wisconsin Bureau of Consumer Protection will present information on landlord and tenant rights and responsibilities under Wisconsin law. As part of the presentation, free landlord and tenant resources will be available. To schedule a Landlord & Tenant Rights & Responsibilities presentation, fill out the online
Consumer Protection Outreach Request Form or contact DATCP's Consumer Protection Hotline at 1-800-422-7128 or via email at
DATCPHotline@wi.gov.
Wisconsin residents sign home improvement contracts every day to make improvements to their homes and property. It is important for consumers to understand the laws that are in place to protect them before they enter into this type of contract. The Wisconsin Bureau of Consumer Protection will present information on home improvement practices and contracts under Wisconsin law. Attendees will learn about tips for hiring a contractor, contractor requirements, and required contract provisions. Home improvement resources will be available to all attendees. To schedule a Home Improvement Contracts presentation, fill out the online Consumer Protection Outreach Request Form or contact DATCP's Consumer Protection Hotline at 1-800-422-7128 or via email at DATCPHotline@wi.gov.
Online shopping presents an opportunity for consumers to purchase practically anything quickly and conveniently. The internet has many fake ads, fraudulent websites, and scammers trying to take your money and give you nothing in return. Consumers can have a safe online shopping experience, as long as they protect themselves. Helpful resources from the Bureau of Consumer Protection will be available. To schedule a Safe Online Shopping presentation, fill out the onlineConsumer Protection Outreach Request Form or contact DATCP's Consumer Protection Hotline at 1-800-422-7128 or via email at DATCPHotline@wi.gov.
Many Wisconsin Consumers own vehicles that will eventually fail and need to be repaired or replaced. It is important to understand the consumer protection laws that are in place to protect you before entering into this type of contract. The Wisconsin Bureau of Consumer Protection will present information on motor vehicle repair contracts under Wisconsin law. Attendees will learn tips on selecting a repair shop, ordering parts to make their own repairs, and even purchasing a replacement vehicle. To schedule a Motor Vehicle Repair presentation, fill out the online
Consumer Protection Outreach Request Form or contact DATCP's Consumer Protection Hotline at 1-800-422-7128 or via email at
DATCPHotline@wi.gov.