Consumer Law in Wisconsin

Do you need a consumer law attorney in 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 Wisconsin

Consumer fraud primarily refers to deceptive practices that can cause customers in Wisconsin to suffer financial, physical, or emotional injury. Fraudulent practices can also occur at the individual level, such as 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 Wisconsin can also lead to criminal charges against you. For instance, 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 provide information on some of the most common scams affecting Wisconsin residents. Most scammers will either ask for money directly or request information such as social security numbers or bank accounts. However, they use widely varying tactics to trick you into complying. Some may pretend to be with the government, even going so far as to threaten arrest if you refuse. Others may try a friendlier, but no less fraudulent approach. They 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.

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

What Types of Fraud are in Consumer Law?

If you suffered damages because of consumer fraud in Wisconsin, you might be able to file a lawsuit against the responsible parties. Taking a closer look at the most common types of consumer fraud found under consumer law can help you determine if you have a legitimate claim.

Identity Theft

This type of consumer fraud happens when a nefarious Wisconsin 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 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. After they can accomplish this task, they have even more options to apply for loans or credit cards. Sometimes 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 and experienced Wisconsin consumer law fraud lawyer is essential to proving your innocence.

Fake Organizations

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

You can identify if any Wisconsin organization is legitimate if they have registration in the state. Or, the IRS should verify their non-profit status. But, scammers can legitimately register an organization for illegal purposes. 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 the state. The Department recommends checking their database before donating. They also provide information on reducing telephone solicitations. Another resource for residents is the Better Business Bureau (BBB). According to Urban Milwaukee, the Wisconsin BBB is currently investigating numerous complaints about a purported police charity. The organization has used some aggressive solicitation methods, and it may not actually be a non-profit organization.

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 fact, anyone can build a website or register an empty LLC in Wisconsin.

Defective Products and Services

Legitimate Wisconsin companies often create defective products and services. Some common issues are:

• 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 become entitled to compensation for the damages caused. This circumstance is why we often hear of car manufacturers issuing recalls and repairs when they realize something has gone wrong.

Since its passage in 2011, Wisconsin’s Omnibus Tort Reform Act has made it much tougher for plaintiffs to win product liability cases. The statutes create a higher bar for proving design defects, manufacturing defects, and inadequate warnings. In addition, the Act caps punitive damages to either $200,000 or twice the compensatory damages. Finally, in addition to the 3-year statute of limitations, the Tort Reform Act imposes a 15-year statute of repose. This limits most Wisconsin product liability cases to 15 years from the manufacture date of the product.

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 establishes the Federal Trade Commission to protect consumers from deceptive business practices. It does this not just for individual cases, but also to target monopolies.

The FTC’s work includes conducting investigations, collecting complaints, and filing lawsuits. In addition, other federal laws protect public consumers against deceptive transactions. These include the agriculture, real estate, food, and beverage industries. Wisconsin consumer laws also put measures in place to police false advertising and illegal debt collection practices.

Work With an Experienced Wisconsin Consumer Law Attorney

Working with a consumer fraud attorney in Wisconsin can help you understand your rights. The appropriate professional from our network of legal experts will help you understand the FTC guidelines. They will help you discover what types of complaints you can make against the organization that has committed fraud against you.

A qualified Wisconsin 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. 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.

Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an attorney in your area!