Wisconsin has always led the country in our consumer protections laws. From services and food monitored and regulated by the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) to the Consumer Act enforced by the Department of Financial Institutions (DFI), Wisconsin's consumer laws were a model for many other states and remain regarded as one of the most comprehensive laws in the nation. As we all struggle a bit more to make ends meet, making sure you "get what you pay for" is more essential than ever.
While we may never feel like our lives are affected by Wisconsin consumer laws, nearly every purchase you make, every service you pay for, the gas we buy, the food we eat and the milk we drink, and many more products and services are regulated by the rules of DATCP and DFI. The boundaries and guidelines created to protect our purchases and services set standards for businesses in Wisconsin and are based in the strong values we have as a state.
DATCP also administers the Wisconsin No Call List, which is near and dear to my heart. Every year violations of the "do not call" law top the list of consumer complaints. If you believe you have been wronged in a consumer transaction through a faulty product, lack of the service as told to you, or unfair practices in general you can file a complaint with the Department online or you can request a complaint be mailed to you by calling the Consumer Protection Hotline at 1-800-422-7128.
The Wisconsin Consumer Act is a state law that regulates consumer credit transactions and debt collection. Consumer credit transactions include a finance charge or are payable in more than four installments. Examples of consumer credit transactions are loans, credit cards, credit sales, second mortgages and leases.
Not all credit transactions are covered by the WCA. Transactions not covered are those that are more than $25,000, made to businesses or are secured by first lien real estate mortgages. The WCA also does not cover non-credit issues, such as those involving checking or savings accounts.
Major provisions of the WCA:
• Require detailed disclosures in credit contracts and advertisements
• Limit certain interest and non-interest charges assessed in credit transactions
• Provide a three-day right to cancel certain contracts,
• Require judicial process in certain repossessions, and
• Prohibit certain collection practices.
All in all, Wisconsin consumer protection laws are strong and enforced regularly on Wisconsin and out-of-state companies. Good business practices are a core value in Wisconsin and our citizens expect that when they make a purchase or contract for a service, they will receive quality. For more information on Wisconsin's consumer protection laws, please contact my office at 888-549-0027 or 608-266-6670 or via e-mail at sen.erpenbach@legis.wi.gov.
- Sen. Jon Erpenbach, D-Waunakee, serves the 27th State Senate District.
While we may never feel like our lives are affected by Wisconsin consumer laws, nearly every purchase you make, every service you pay for, the gas we buy, the food we eat and the milk we drink, and many more products and services are regulated by the rules of DATCP and DFI. The boundaries and guidelines created to protect our purchases and services set standards for businesses in Wisconsin and are based in the strong values we have as a state.
DATCP also administers the Wisconsin No Call List, which is near and dear to my heart. Every year violations of the "do not call" law top the list of consumer complaints. If you believe you have been wronged in a consumer transaction through a faulty product, lack of the service as told to you, or unfair practices in general you can file a complaint with the Department online or you can request a complaint be mailed to you by calling the Consumer Protection Hotline at 1-800-422-7128.
The Wisconsin Consumer Act is a state law that regulates consumer credit transactions and debt collection. Consumer credit transactions include a finance charge or are payable in more than four installments. Examples of consumer credit transactions are loans, credit cards, credit sales, second mortgages and leases.
Not all credit transactions are covered by the WCA. Transactions not covered are those that are more than $25,000, made to businesses or are secured by first lien real estate mortgages. The WCA also does not cover non-credit issues, such as those involving checking or savings accounts.
Major provisions of the WCA:
• Require detailed disclosures in credit contracts and advertisements
• Limit certain interest and non-interest charges assessed in credit transactions
• Provide a three-day right to cancel certain contracts,
• Require judicial process in certain repossessions, and
• Prohibit certain collection practices.
All in all, Wisconsin consumer protection laws are strong and enforced regularly on Wisconsin and out-of-state companies. Good business practices are a core value in Wisconsin and our citizens expect that when they make a purchase or contract for a service, they will receive quality. For more information on Wisconsin's consumer protection laws, please contact my office at 888-549-0027 or 608-266-6670 or via e-mail at sen.erpenbach@legis.wi.gov.
- Sen. Jon Erpenbach, D-Waunakee, serves the 27th State Senate District.
