Consumer Law in Madison, WI

Do you need a consumer law attorney in Madison, Wisconsin to fight for your rights and bring fraudsters to justice? We can match you with the right lawyer to help you reclaim your rights.

Common Types of Consumer Fraud in Madison, Wisconsin

Consumer fraud primarily refers to deceptive practices that can cause customers in Madison to suffer financial, physical, or emotional injury. Fraudulent practices may also occur at the individual level. For instance, when someone falls victim to lottery scams. Consumer law refers to the regulations that define unlawful actions and how consumers can seek justice.

Sometimes, becoming a victim of consumer fraud in Madison, WI can also lead to criminal charges against you. As an example, it can be strenuous to clear your name after you donate to a charitable organization involved with money laundering.

The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection provides information on some of the most common scams affecting Madison residents. Scammers use a variety of tactics to trick you into giving them money or personal information. Some may pretend to be with the government, even going so far as to threaten arrest if you refuse. Others may claim to be an old friend or distant relative who needs help. Alternatively, they may tell you that you won a prize or offer you a tempting financial opportunity. Regardless of the tactic, they all want to steal your money.

Many people are embarrassed about falling for a scam, so they suffer in silence. But, speaking up can help to bring the persons responsible to justice. Even when it does not, it helps to spread awareness and stop other consumers from falling victim.

What Types of Fraud are in Consumer Law?

If you suffered damages because of consumer fraud in Madison you might be able to file a lawsuit against the responsible parties. Learning about the most common types of consumer fraud found under law is the best place to start.

Identity Theft

This type of consumer fraud happens when a nefarious Madison, WI company or individual steals your personal information. They might steal your bank account information, Social Security number, full name, or credit card numbers. One of the most common identity theft methods is this “data mining”.

Once an individual has your personal information, they can open credit cards or make fraudulent charges on existing ones. Some thieves will even open utility accounts in your name as a way to prove residency. Once they can accomplish this task, they have even more options to apply for loans or credit cards.

Some identity thieves gain access to your bank account and drain all the funds that you have available. There are also reports of scams that access health insurance and place medical charges on the victim’s insurance. Proving that you are a victim of identity theft can be very complicated. Consequently, hiring a dedicated Madison consumer law fraud lawyer is essential to proving your innocence.

Fake Organizations

Fake charities are difficult to spot. Often, they use the same techniques legitimate ones rely on to raise funds. That’s why it’s important for you to understand where your money is going, before you donate to an organization. The same is true when investing or purchasing goods and services.

You can identify if any Madison, WI organization is legitimate if they have registration in the state. Or, the IRS should verify their non-profit status. But, scammers can legitimately register organizations for illegal purposes. Always take the time to research how your money gets used before investing in a business or donating to charity.

Most charities must register with the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions before soliciting donations in Madison. Fortunately, you can check an organization’s status in the state database before donating. The Department also provides information on reducing telephone solicitations. Another resource for Madison residents is the Better Business Bureau (BBB). According to the Vernon County Times, scammers are attempting to profit from the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine. Before you donate, make sure the organization is legitimate. In addition, make your donation by check or credit card, rather than untraceable methods like cash or money order.

When it comes to products and services, looking up customer reviews can help. The more reviews a product or service has, the more likely it is a legitimate organization. However, people can buy these illegally. In addition to this, anyone can build a website or register an empty LLC in Madison, Wisconsin.

Defective Products and Services

Legitimate Madison, WI companies often create defective products and services. For example:

  • Products that do not work as intended
  • Products that have harmful design flaws
  • Medications that do not mention all side effects
  • Services that do not deliver on promises

Even when this is not intentional, consumers might be entitled to compensation for damages. This circumstance is why car manufacturers issue recalls and repairs when they realize something has gone wrong.

Wisconsin’s Omnibus Tort Reform Act governs most Madison product liability cases. The statutes allow strict liability for allegations of design defects, manufacturing defects, and inadequate warnings. However, the Act caps punitive damages to either $200,000 or twice the compensatory damages. Furthermore, in addition to the 3 year statute of limitations, the Tort Reform Act imposes a 15 year statute of repose. This limits most Madison product liability cases to 15 years from the manufacture date of the product.

Madison, Wisconsin Consumer Protection Laws and How Consumer Law Works

The Federal Trade Commission Act of 1914 is arguably the most important consumer protection law in the United States. It established the Federal Trade Commission to protect consumers from deceptive business practices. It does this for individual cases and to target monopolies. Some of the FTC’s work includes conducting investigations, collecting complaints, and filing lawsuits. Additionally, other federal laws protect public consumers against deceptive transactions. These include the agriculture, real estate, food, and beverage industries. Madison, Wisconsin consumer laws also put measures in place to police false advertising and illegal debt collection practices.

Work With an Experienced Madison, Wisconsin Consumer Law Attorney

Working with a consumer fraud attorney in Madison can help you understand your rights. The appropriate professional from our network of legal experts will help you understand the FTC guidelines. You’ll discover what types of complaints you can make against the organization that has committed fraud against you. A qualified Madison, WI consumer fraud attorney will also guide you through working with law enforcement. The goal is to bring the fraudulent business practices against other customers and yourself to light.

Are you looking to hire an experienced consumer law lawyer near you? Get help and file a claim against the entity that committed consumer fraud against you. We can even help you connect with an attorney across Wisconsin state lines.

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