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 take our a large amount of money, pause. You may be in the middle of a scam.

To learn more about recognizing a financial scam and knowing what to do next, visit the Stop Financial Scams page for downloadable resources.

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​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.


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​​​​​​​​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 and Information Service can help you determine if you need a lawyer, and how to proceed if you do.

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