Bureau Home / Resources for Businesses
The Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) is Wisconsin's primary consumer protection agency. Its Bureau of Consumer Protection provides businesses with the free resources below.
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Data Breaches
Data breaches occur when an organization loses control of private or protected data, resulting in it being viewed, stolen, or altered by an unauthorized party. DATCP maintains an archive of data breaches that have been reported to the Department or have been identified as affecting Wisconsin consumers. Information is gathered on each breach and posted to this archive in order to inform consumers and businesses of possible data theft, as well as any services or resources that are being offered by the affected organization. Explore the data breach archive.
Federal Trade Commission Resources
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has a mission of protecting the public from deceptive or unfair business practices and from unfair methods of competition through law enforcement, advocacy, research, and education. They work to protect consumers and promote competition touches the economic life of every American. They are the only federal agency that deals with consumer protection and competition issues in broad sectors of the economy. They have created practical, plain-language
educational programs for both consumers and businesses.
Fraud Against Business
Each year, small businesses are targets of fraudulent or deceptive sales practices. DATCP offers a digital packet that offers tips to help protect your business. It also contains information about a variety of risks including phishing emails, phony billing schemes, overpayment scams, fake charitable contribution pitches, and more. Learn more about fraud against business.
Pawnbrokers
Pawnbrokers, secondhand jewelry dealers, secondhand article dealers, and secondhand article dealer malls or flea markets must be licensed in the State of Wisconsin (Wis. Stat. § 134.71). Complete the license application form and submit it to your local municipality clerk for authorization.
For every transaction that occurs involving a licensee, a property transaction record form must be completed. Multiple transactions may be recorded on one form unless duplicate items are the subject of the transaction, in which case separate forms may be necessary. This form must be retained by the dealer for not less than one year and made available to any law enforcement officer for inspection at any time during this period. More details are included on the last page of this form.
Privacy Protection for Businesses
Identity theft is not just a consumer's problem. It takes businesses and consumers working together to provide the greatest protection against identity theft. When their customers' personal information is stolen, businesses may not only have legal obligations to help correct the problem, but they also may be subject to financial losses themselves. Access the full Privacy Protection Tips for Businesses fact sheet.
Telemarketer Registration
DATCP registers telephone solicitors who initiate a telephone conversation or text message to a Wisconsin resident for the purpose of encouraging the recipient of the telephone call or text message to purchase property, goods, or services. A telephone solicitor is a person or business, other than a nonprofit organization, that employs or contracts with an individual to make a telephone solicitation. The registration year begins December 1 and ends November 30. Telephone solicitors may register online or by submitting a completed registration form to DATCP. Find more information on telemarketer registration.