Protecting Consumers

​​​​​​​​​​​​Wisconsin is unique in that consumer protection functions are championed by many different state agencies. Attorneys and staff at the Wisconsin Department of Justice (Wisconsin DOJ) work closely with the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) the Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) and other agencies to investigate and prosecute violations of consumer protection laws.​

Attorneys at Wisconsin DOJ enforce the State's consumer protection laws, which prohibit unfair and deceptive business practices in a wide variety of areas, including:

  • advertising
  • charitable solicitations
  • consumer credit matters
  • debt collection
  • do-not-call
  • home improvement
  • mortgage-related complaints
  • sales practices
  • telecommunications
  • telemarketing
  • landlord/tenant
Many of the cases prosecuted by Wisconsin DOJ attorneys are referred by other state agencies such as DATCP and DFI.


Through enforcement actions, including the filing of lawsuits, attorneys seek compliance with consumer protection laws through:

  • injunctions to stop fraudulent or deceptive practices
  • the imposition of forfeitures
  • the recovery of restitution for injured consumers

Attorneys at Wisconsin DOJ who specialize in antitrust enforce Wisconsin Statute chapter 133 antitrust laws, including laws related to:

  • bid rigging
  • price fixing
  • secret rebates
  • territorial allocation

Antitrust attorneys at Wisconsin DOJ have also:

  • investigated alleged conspiracies among competitors;
  • assisted state agencies with investigations of illegal bidding on state contracts; and
  • pursued litigation against companies for nationwide and international conspiracies and monopolistic practices as part of multi-state groups.

Antitrust staff at Wisconsin DOJ work with the Federal Trade Commission and U.S. Department of Justice to review proposed mergers and, pursuant to federal statute, Class Action Fairness Act notices.

If someone is asking you to withdraw a large amount of money, pause. You may be in the middle of a scam.

Before you withdraw money, ask yourself:
  • Are you being pressured to act quickly?
  • Is someone on the phone telling you what to do right now?
  • Were you told to lie to bank staff or family about why you need the money?
  • Were you told to keep the situation secret?
  • Are you afraid, confused, or unsure.
If you answer “yes” to any of these questions, stop, do not send your money. 

Scammers may pretend to be law enforcement or government officials, tech support, bank staff, or even a family member or romantic partner who is “in trouble.” Requests for cash, gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers are also warning signs. A real government official will never ask you to withdraw money. 

Need immediate help? You are not alone. Help is available.​

  • Wisconsin Elder Abuse Hotline: (833) 586-0107
  • Medicaid Fraud & Elder Abuse Unit: (800) 488-3780
  • DATCP Consumer Protection Hotline: (800) 422-7128
  • If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911. 
Download and share the Stop Financial Scams flyer:



​ ​

​Looking for help with a consumer protection issue?

Learn how to contact the Wisconsin DOJ consumer protection hotline and how to file a consumer complaint to the appropriate agency.


​​​
​​​​​​​​Legal Advice or Representation​​

Wisconsin law does not authorize the Attorney General and employees of the Department of Justice to provide legal advice to private individuals. If you need legal advice or representation you may want to contact a private attorney. The State Bar of Wisconsin Lawyer Referral an​d Information Service can help you determine if you need a lawyer, and how to proceed if you do.

​



​